A FATHER-OF-TWO has died after collapsing at the wheel of his car.

Last night the family of 36-year-old Neville Douthwaite paid tribute to his presence of mind after he managed to stop the car before losing consciousness.

His mother June, a passenger in the car with his nine-year-old daughter, Lauren, said his actions may have saved their lives.

Paramedics tried in vain to resuscitate Mr Douthwaite, of Hilton Road, Barnard Castle, at the roadside.

He was returning from a day out at Saltburn Pier on Sunday when the tragedy happened, shortly after setting off.

His mother June said: "The car started to veer and I turned to him and saw he was gripping the wheel, but he still managed to steer the car to the side of the road carefully.

"He was obviously in trouble, but he was thinking about the safety of his daughter, Lauren, and myself.

"We don't know what happened. It is such a shock because he has never collapsed before. But the support we have had from family and friends has really helped."

The electrical engineer had recently been staying with his parents, June and Jim Douthwaite, of Station Terrace, Cotherstone.

A former pupil of Teesdale Comprehensive School, Barnard Castle, he had been a member of the Territorial Army for almost 20 years.

He also leaves a wife, Debbie, a 12-year-old son James and brother Noel.

An inquest into the death was opened and adjourned in Middlesbrough yesterday.