THE woman killed in an horrific head-on collision in a Worcestershire village has been named.

Fifty-five-year-old Jean Cowell was pronounced dead from multiple injuries at the scene of the tragedy on the B4503 Leigh Sinton road on Monday afternoon.

The school cleaner's death has rocked the tight-knit community of Leigh and has prompted a tribute from the county's education chief.

The male driver of the VW Polo car in which she was a passenger was said to be in a serious but stable condition at Birmingham's Selly Oak Hospital, today, with serious leg, abdominal and chest injuries.

Emergency services, including 15 firefighters, a flying doctor and both of the county's air ambulances, battled for nearly an hour to free him and the driver of a second car before he was airlifted to hospital.

The female driver of a red Rover 214 was airlifted to Worcester's Royal Hospital after the accident, which happened at 3.30pm. Yesterday, she was said to be in a comfortable condition.

Worcestershire education director Julien Kramer said the news had come as heavy blow.

"It's very hard to find the right words to express the sadness we all feel," he said, "but our sympathies go out to the family and loved ones for their tragic loss.

"All of our school staff are highly-valued individuals and this will come as a heavy blow to the community of Leigh and Bransford Primary School."

The inquest into the death of Mrs Cowell, who lived in Orchard Way, Leigh, was opened and adjourned for three months by Worcestershire coroner Victor Round yesterday.

Worcester police spokesman Kim Stain said investigations were continuing and appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

Yesterday, PC Ian Hope urged the occupants of two cars seen leaving the scene shortly after the accident to contact police.

"One car was driving in the direction of Malvern, and was flashing his headlights to warn other drivers," he said.

"The second vehicle was driving in the direction on Leigh Sinton. It's possible it may have been a driver in front of the red Rover."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Worcester police on 01905 723888, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111, quoting ref c615723.