FLAGS at police stations across County Durham were at half-mast yesterday to mourn the tragic death of a popular police officer.

PC Jonathan Green, 23, died in a car accident on Thursday night as he was returning home from work at Barnard Castle police station.

PC Green, who was known as Johnny to friends and colleagues, died from his injuries in Darlington Memorial Hospital after his Honda CRX left the road and collided with a tree on the A67 at Arlaw Banks, between Barnard Castle and Winston.

The incident happened shortly before 10pm as he was travelling home to Brinkburn Road, Darlington, where he lived with his parents and 21-year-old sister, Michelle.

His parents, Lynn and Alan, said yesterday: "He loved going to the gym to keep fit and the car was his pride and joy.

"Jonathan lived life to the full and as a family we are devastated by what has happened."

PC Green, a former pupil of Longfield Comprehensive, embarked on a three year apprenticeship at JJ Engineering, near Teesside Airport, before joining the force in 2001.

In his spare time, he was a member of Bannatyne's Gym, in Darlington

PC Green was initially stationed at Bishop Auckland police station.

A serious knee injury sustained off-duty threatened to end his career, but after an operation and rehabilitation he was able to carry on as a police officer, initially doing light duties before going back on the beat in Barnard Castle.

Colleagues were left distraught by the popular officer's death, said Inspector Simon Orton, of Bishop Auckland Police.

He said: "Johnny Green was a genuinely nice young lad, who loved his job, was hard-working and well-liked by colleagues.

"He was the social hub of his shift and everyone he worked with was left shocked and upset by the news.

"He was embarking on the early stages of what seemed to be a very promising police career. We all had such high hopes for him and he will be sadly missed."

An opening inquest into PC Green's death is due to be held at 10am at Chester-le-Street Magistrates' Court on Monday.

Accident investigators are trying to establish why his car, which had been imported but was well maintained, left the road.

It is understood traffic in the area was light at the time.

Any witnesses to the incident are asked to call PC Andy Edgar at Durham Police accident unit, on 0191-375 2159.