A COMMUNITY is in mourning after a crash left a woman dead and a man critically ill in hospital.

Cumbria Police have confirmed that 41-year-old Helen Wolfendale, from Holme, tragically died in Preston Hospital on December 23.

She succumbed to injuries she sustained in the fatal collision, which occurred at 10.30am south of Burton, close to the Lancashire/Cumbria border, on December 17.

The collision involved a Skoda Roomster, of which Ms Wolfendale was the front seat passenger, and a Mercedes Sprinter Van.

She was airlifted to hospital, as was the driver, a 43-year-old man, who remains in critical condition in hospital.

Two children under ten years old were also in the Skoda, and were taken to hospital with minor injuries.

Police have also confirmed that those travelling in the Skoda were all related.

Cumbria County Councillor for Lower Kentdale, which includes Burton and Holme Roger Bingham, said the community has an 'excellent track record of rallying round to help those in times of need'.

He said: "This is a horrific tragedy for the community.

"I don’t know the family personally, but from my conversations with residents, I’m told they are a well-liked family, and respected.

"My heart goes out to their family and friends, particularly the two young passengers, and we offer my sincerest hopes of a recovery for the gentleman currently in hospital.

"I do remember the day it happened, as I recall two helicopters flying overhead.

"It was probably the coldest of cold days during the freezing weather before Christmas – I believe the temperature in Milnthorpe was 14 below the previous evening.

"We must respect the family’s wishes for privacy, and in a tragedy such as this, it will be very difficult to provide comfort.

"But I know that many people, including myself, want to help however they can."

Police are appealing to anyone who witnessed the collision or the moments leading up to it or anyone with dashcam footage of the vehicles driving prior to or of the collision.

Anyone with information is asked to report it online via www.cumbria.police.uk/reportit quoting incident number 117 of December 17, 2022. You can also phone on 101.