A new law banning drivers from using mobile phones, which came into force only days ago, has led to a fatal road crash.

Margaret Constance Mullings, 80, of Alderside Crescent, Lanchester, County Durham, died when her husband's car ran into the back of a parked council van.

Inspector Colin Nixon of Durham police said: "The council employees had been travelling along the road and pulled into a lay-by to enable one of them to answer a mobile phone call."

The accident happened on Thursday afternoon on the A693 road at Morrison Busty, near Stanley, County Durham, when the Mullings' blue Austin Maestro car hit the stationary flat-back Ford Transit van.

Mrs Mullings was taken to Durham's University Hospital, but was pronounced dead on arrival.

Her husband, George Mullings, 81, was taken to the same hospital and yesterday was still being treated for head and shoulder injuries. His condition is not thought to be serious.

The two workers in the Chester-le-Street District Council van were shocked but unhurt and refused medical treatment.

Police believe blinding sunlight obscured Mr Mullings' vision in the seconds leading up to the tragedy and he made no effort to brake before the collision.

The couple had moved to Lanchester from St Austell, in Cornwall, about two years ago to be nearer to their son, Peter Mullings, a sergeant with Durham Constabulary, and their ten-year-old granddaughter.

The family was last night too distressed to comment.

Neighbours in the village spoke of their shock at the tragedy.

One woman, who asked not to be named, said: "They were a lovely couple and very friendly. What has happened is shocking."

Another said: "This makes a good case for having to switch off your phone when you are driving, so you can't feel obliged to stop and answer it."

A spokesman for Chester-le-Street council said: "This was a very unfortunate accident. The driver of the council vehicle was stationary because his mobile phone rang. Due to the new legislation, he had to pull into a lay-by."

Police are appealing for witnesses to call 0191-375 2159.