A FAMILY has paid tribute to a much-loved grandmother who died seven weeks after she was hurt in a crash.

Rita Young, 62, was seriously injured in a collision at the Green Lane crossroads, North Bitchburn, near Crook, on Wednesday, July 5.

The grandmother-of-six, from nearby Billy Row, was flown to Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary by the Great North Air Ambulance Service and later transferred to James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough, where she died on Saturday.

Daughter Lucy Mays said: “Rita was a devoted wife, mother and grand-mother who lived for her family. She loved nothing more than time spent with her grandkids, to who she was dedicated.

“She enjoyed playing bingo at the club in Crook where she helped out with her husband Jim, as well as listening to music on a Saturday night at Willington Working Men’s Club. She adored day trips to the beach and looking after her German Shepherd, Major.

“She was so good-natured and family-orientated and will be sadly missed by all those who knew her.”

Mrs Young was in the back of a dark blue Volkswagen Touran when it was involved in a collision with a red Ford Fiesta at about 10.50am.

Durham police confirmed an investigation continues and asked anyone with information who has not yet come forward to call 101, quoting incident number 136 of July 5.