The family of a man killed in a crash near Hamsterley have paid tribute to a "deeply loved" husband, dad and grandad.
Andrew Lowther, 60, from the Butterknowle area, was killed when the van he was travelling in collided with a tractor on Crane Lane Row, between Hamsterley and Bishop Auckland, at around 6.40pm on Wednesday (September 23).
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Andrew Lowther, 60, was killed after his van collided with a tractor near Bishop Auckland. (Image: Durham Constabulary)
Paying tribute, Mr Lowther's family said: "It is with the heaviest of hearts that the family of Andrew Lowther would like to let friends, family and loved ones, both near and far, know of the tragic loss of Andrew.
"There are simply no words to describe the pain of losing someone so deeply loved. Andrew was a devoted husband, dad, grandad, son, brother, uncle and friend, and he meant so much to so many people.
"Our hearts are broken, and we are trying to come to terms with the devastating loss of such a special person. Andrew leaves behind so many precious memories that we will carry with us forever.
"As a family, we would like to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has reached out to us with messages, calls, flowers, cards and kind words. Every single message and gesture of support has meant so much to us during this heartbreaking time.
"We ask that you please continue to give our family some privacy as we come to terms with our loss and support one another.
"Andrew, you were loved more than words can ever say, and you will be missed every single day.
"Forever in our hearts."
The family will share funeral arrangements with relatives and friends once arrangements have been made.
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The North East Ambulance Service (NEAS), Durham Police and the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) attended the incident.
A second person was taken by road to Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary for further treatment.
The road was closed for several hours while collision investigators examined the scene.
Durham Police are now appealing for more information about the incident.
A spokesperson said: "Officers would like to speak to any witnesses, or those who may have dashcam footage of the vehicles leading up to the collision.
"If you can help, please contact Durham Constabulary’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit by email at SCIU@durham.police.uk quoting incident number 413 of September 23."