A LEADING Yorkshire businessman from Otley has been killed on his way to horse driving trials in Northumberland.

Victor Ogden, 60, of Leathley, was driving his Mercedes when it was involved in a collision with a 7.5 tonne lorry in Cramlington near Blyth.

The lorry was being driven by a 32-year old man from North Tyneside and police are appealing for witnesses to the accident which happened just before 1pm last Saturday.

Married with four adult children - including top horsewoman Helen Bell - he was well known for his business activities.

His son James Ogden said on Monday: "It's just a shock for everyone, friends and family. It's still sinking in really and we haven't got to grips with what's happening yet."

And his brother Robert Ogden, chairman of the Boston Spa-based Ogden group of companies, added: "We are all desperately saddened at Victor's untimely death.

"It is particularly tragic that the accident should have occurred whilst he was on his way to support his team in a sport which gave him so much pleasure."

At the time of the accident, Mr Ogden was on his way to Alnwick Castle to watch the George Bowman Jnr carriage driving team, sponsored by his manufacturing business, the Olway Slate Company, compete in horse-driving trials.

Mr Odgen was a founding director of the Ogden group of companies, an amalgam of civil engineering, quarrying and building interests, along with brothers Robert, Joseph and John.

He was also managing director of several building trade businesses which in the 1970s won three Queen's Awards for export successes and one for technical achievement.

More recently, he had become involved in operating new technology connected with pharmaceutical products.

The company Advanced Phytonics is based in North Yorkshire and Worthing.

His interest in equestrian sports extended to sponsoring Helen in eventing, a decision which was warmly rewarded when she represented Great Britain in the World and European championships.

He had also ridden with the Bedale Hunt and was an amateur jockey riding his own point to point horses. Mr Ogden leaves his wife, Hazel, and four children, Helen, Richard, Rachel and James and grandchildren Toby, Chloe and Jack.

A family spokesman said a private family service would be held in memory of Mr Ogden.

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