THE children of a man who died along with a taxi driver in a two-car accident have paid tribute to their father.

Michael Murray, 53 of Castleside, County Durham, and driver Michael Joseph Stewart, 39, of Surrey Crescent, Moorside, Consett, died after the accident on the A692 in Consett on Sunday.

The accident happened at 6.50pm near the Morrisons roundabout, when the Neasham's taxi, a blue Peugeot 406, heading towards the town centre, was involved in an accident with a black Citroen Xantia SX Turbo diesel car travelling the other way.

Mr Murray's 53-year-old wife, Margaret, suffered leg, back, neck and internal injuries.

She was taken to the University Hospital of North Durham and transferred to the spinal unit at Newcastle General Hospital, where her condition is critical.

Mr Murray worked at Electrack, in Blaydon, Tyneside, which specialises in repairs to overhead rail tracks.

The couple had been out during the day and had booked a taxi to take them home, where they were heading when the accident took place.

They have two grown children, Mark, who lives in Consett, and Lisa, who lives in Scarborough, North Yorkshire.

A statement yesterday from them said: "He was a wonderful father and grandfather who will be sadly missed by all the family.

"We now need to spend this time grieving for him and caring for our mother, who remains in a critical condition."

The 26-year-old Citroen driver suffered serious head injuries, while his passenger suffered back and internal injuries. Both were airlifted to hospital, and their condition was yesterday described as stable.

Witnesses are asked to call 0191-375 2159