TRIBUTES were last night paid to a "lovely fella" with a passion for horses who was killed in a road accident.

Terrence Wood, 40, died in the incident in which his 14-year-old son, Lewis, was also seriously injured.

Both father and son were travelling along the A689 bypass road in Coundon, County Durham, at 7.30pm on Thursday when the tragedy unfolded.

Lewis was riding in a two-wheeled trap with his father's four-wheel carriage following when a red Nissan Micra was in collision with them, knocking Mr Wood's carriage into his son's.

Mr Wood suffered fatal injuries and was confirmed dead at Bishop Auckland General Hospital.

Lewis suffered a fractured pelvis, concussion and numerous cuts and bruises.

He was taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital, before being transferred to the children's intensive care unit at Newcastle General Hospital.

Lewis was taken off a life support machine yesterday, but remained unconscious as a result of the medication he was given.

Mr Wood's wife, Alison, and daughter, Megan, remained by his bedside.

The car driver, Lisa Tomlinson, 25, of Eton Road, Stockton, was taken to Bishop Auckland General Hospital suffering from shock and was later released.

She had not recovered sufficiently to be interviewed by police yesterday.

One of the horses was destroyed after the accident. Both animals fled the scene in different directions and, after being caught, were examined by a vet from Barnard Castle, County Durham.

Flowers were laid at the site of the accident yesterday, which is close to the end of a straight downhill stretch of road.

Meanwhile, neighbours in Mr Wood's home village of Leeholme, Coundon, paid tribute to the popular figure.

One villager said: "It's very sad. He was a lovely fella, a really down-to-earth guy, and he'll be missed.

"They've had terrible luck - their house got broken into last year when they were away."

Another said that Mr Wood owned several horses and was well-known among members of the travelling community.

He said: "I'm sure he will get a big send-off from the horsemen. He was a genuine, friendly lad."

Police were yesterday at the scene, just east of Coundon Industrial Estate, carrying out investigations and taking measurements.

The two carriages, which were both badly damaged, were being examined by officers from the force's accident unit.

Sergeant Phil Hill, who is carrying out the investigation, said he was keeping an open mind as to the cause of the accident, but was hopeful that witnesses would be able to help, as well as Mr Wood's son when he regains consciousness.

Inspector Peter Foster, of Durham Constabulary, said: "At the time of the collision, the surface was dry, the weather was fine, it was daylight with good visibility.

"Street lamps were present, but not lit."

Anybody with information is asked to contact the accident unit on 0191-375 2159.