Woman, 85, dies after Pendle car crash (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Woman, 85, dies after Pendle car crash

6:50am Thursday 5th May 2011 in Fence By Tom Moseley, Reporter

AN ELDERLY woman has died after a car crash yesterday afternoon.

The 85-year-old, named by police as Norah Graham from Fence, died in hospital after the head-on collision.

She was the front-seat passenger in a grey Vauxhall Astra which was being driven along Barrowford Road, Fence, in the direction of Colne at 1.35pm when it collided with a red Astra on the opposite side of the road.

Along with the driver, Mrs Graham's 85-year-old husband Stewart, she was taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital.

Mr Graham, who has a broken neck, was this morning still in hospital where his condition was described as serious but stable.

Today their daughter Eileen De-Maine, of Accrington, said: “My mum and dad were married in 1946 and yesterday was their 65th Wedding Anniversary.

"I am so saddened for our loss but I know mum has gone to a better place.

“She worked at Foxhall Bank, Oswaldtwistle Co-op, R G Smiths and at Accrington Victoria.

"My mum loved baking and feeding the birds.

"She was a church goer at St Phillips near to where she lived.

"They used to go and watch the cricket at Accrington. She leaves behind my dad, her brother, my brother, her daughter-in-law and myself, as well as two grandchildren and two great grandchildren.”

The 52-year-old female driver of the red Astra, who is from Burnley, and a passenger were also taken to hospital with whiplash but have since been discharged.

The road was closed for two hours to allow accident investigation to take place.

Police initially said only minor injuries were sustained by those involved in the crash.

Sergeant Malcolm Bell said: "This is an incredibly tragic incident and a full investigation into the cause of the collision is now underway.

"I would appeal to anybody who witnessed it to contact police."

Anybody with any information is asked to contact police on 08451 25 35 45 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.