The heartbroken children of a Selby mother who died in an horrific car crash are now keeping a vigil at the bedside of their critically-ill father.

Mother-of-four Ann Robson, of Leeds Road, Selby, died at the scene of Sunday's accident at the junction of the A19 with the southerly entrance to Riccall.

Her husband, Alan, 59, a well-known retired GP, is critical but stable in York District Hospital.

The devoted couple were returning home from Sunday lunch with friends in their red VW Passat, with Mrs Robson at the wheel, when it was in collision with a grey Ford Sierra.

Tributes poured in today for Mrs Robson, 62, who founded the Selby Stroke Club, a support group for families of stroke victims.

She also worked as a volunteer for the Samaritans and Selby Age Concern, and was a member of Selby Choral Society.

Gill Cashmore, co-ordinator of Selby Association of Voluntary Services, said: "Ann was a kind-hearted, genuine and caring woman who gave so much of her time to helping others in the community."

Dr Robson retired several years ago from the Beech Tree surgery, in Selby, where he worked for more than 20 years.

Dr Pat McGrann, a senior partner in the practice, said: "We have lost a very dear friend, and we are desperately hoping that Alan makes a full recovery."

Dr Mike Hulme, a retired partner at the Beech Tree surgery, said: "They were a devoted couple who did everything together, cycling thousands of miles all over the country.

"Ann was just a lovely person, with strong principles and very proud of her children."

The couple spent several years as volunteers running a hospital in the Kenyan outback before moving to Selby.

Retired GP, Dr Iain Thomson, said Dr Robson and his wife had just had lunch at his Riccall home when the accident happened.

He said the couple, who met at St Andrews University in Fife, were thoroughly enjoying their retirement years.

He added: "Ann was a delightful person and a terrific mother, and will be very much missed."

Dr Robson has been a member of Selby Camera Club for 21 years, and is president-elect of the Yorkshire Photographic Union, and his wife was a former member.

Club president Alan Ford said: "This has come as a tremendous shock - I feel absolutely numb."

The couple have three daughters, Jenny, Kate and Sarah, and a son, Andrew, who are maintaining a vigil at their father's hospital bedside. They were too distressed to comment today.