A GOLF club's president died in a road accident two hours before a golf club's annual awards night.

Peter Chrystal, 93, was due to host the event at Castle Eden Golf Club, in Hartlepool, on Saturday, but died in an accident on the A181 outside his son's home at Wingate Grange Farm, near Peterlee, County Durham.

A former county chairman of the National Farmers' Union and member of the Kings College Agricultural Society, he was passionate about the farming industry.

Mr Chrystal, who lived with his wife, Doris, at Hesleden, was also a keen golfer and played until last year.

He was elected club president in March, having been a mainstay of the club for more than 50 years.

He was affectionately known by his family as the Colonel because of his authoritative and vast-ranging knowledge.

Despite his age, he continued to take a keen interest in the east Durham farms owned and run by his two sons, Bill and John. He also leaves a daughter, Dr Jean Campbell.

His son Bill said last night: "My father always enjoyed life and for all of us he was our rock and an invaluable source of knowledge.

"His loss is incalculable.'"

An inquest will be opened at Chester-le-Street today into Mr Chrystal's death. A 74-year-old Durham woman travelling in a second vehicle, which was involved in the accident with Mr Chrystal's car, was seriously hurt in the accident and a 75-year-old male driver sustained minor injuries.