PROLIFIC composer and one-time musical director of the Australian Ballet, Tony Elton, has died following a car accident.

Mr Elton, 68, who lived at Witton Gilbert, near Durham, was injured in a collision on the A19 on August 24.

He was airlifted to the Friarage Hospital, in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, but was later transferred to St James' Hospital, in Leeds, where he died on Sunday.

A father of four, Serena, Joy, Pearse and Conrad, Mr Elton was well known in the Durham area through his music.

A former Oxford chorister, Mr Elton lived in Australia when he was younger, and was appointed musical director of the Australian ballet.

He later travelled to and worked in New Zealand and Africa.

During his long stay in Durham, he became head of music at the former Durham Technical College.

During his career, he gave many concerts of his works.

A freelance music journalist, Mr Elton also had a long association with The Northern Echo and its sister paper, the Durham Advertiser.

As well as a composer, Mr Elton was also a keen pianist and poet, and used his talents to raise large amounts of money for charity.

His funeral will be held on Monday at 1.30pm at South Road Crematorium, in Durham.

His family, who yesterday expressed their deep sadness at his loss, have asked those attending to dress informally and have asked for no flowers.