TRIBUTES have been paid to a teacher who died in a road accident at the weekend.

Jennifer Askew, 54, suffered serious head and leg injuries following a crash on the C18A road between Howden-le-Wear and Witton-le-Wear, County Durham, on Friday.

Mrs Askew, of Witton-le-Wear, was taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital, where she later died of her injuries.

She taught food technology at Staindrop Comprehensive School, County Durham, for 13 years.

She was deputy head of design and technology, and was head of year eight.

Headteacher Brian Kinnair said the school would be holding an assembly in Mrs Askew's memory today. He added that everyone at the school would miss her tremendously.

Mrs Askew had previously taught at Longbenton High School, near Newcastle, before joining Longfield School, in Darlington, as head of food technology.

She left Longfield School in 1978 and, with her husband Jeremy, 58, took over the tenancy of The Victoria pub in Witton-le-Wear.

The couple, who have two children, Sarah, 20, and Jonathan, 16, ran the pub for 13 years before Mrs Askew returned to teaching at Staindrop.

Last night, her family said in a statement: "Jennifer was an exceptional mother, wife, sister, friend, teacher and confidante. No one who met her could fail to be touched by her kindness, generosity and caring nature.

"Whether it was in the classroom, out and about, or in her own home with her beloved family, she always brought out the best in people."

* The driver of a Peugeot 306 involved in the collision, a 20-year-old man from Witton-le-Wear, was last night in Darlington Memorial Hospital with serious leg injuries.

Police are appealing for witnesses to contact the accident investigation unit, on 0191-375 2159.