THE former chairman of Lydeard St Lawrence and Tolland Parish Council died in a car accident on the A358 at Bicknoller last Friday afternoon.

Phil Sayers, 88, died in Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton on Friday evening.

Mr Sayers, who lived at Stoney Cross near Lydeard St Lawrence, was driving a Volvo from the Williton direction when he was in collision with a Suzuki Swift as he began to turn right into Upcott Lane.

Two men in the Swift, who had been travelling to Butlins in Minehead, were trapped in the wreckage and had to be cut free by firefighters.

The pair, Sean O'Connor and Calum Heath from London, were airlifted to Frenchay Hospital in Bristol with what police described as "serious" injuries.

Current parish council chairman Mark Peters said Mr Sayers would be sorely missed after serving on the parish council for many years.

"He was a true gentleman, very passionate about the village and village life," he said.

"He was a prime mover behind the Lydeard Lifts scheme, one of the architects of the original bell restoration scheme in Lydeard St Lawrence and a great countryman who walked for miles and miles around the lanes and footpaths with his beloved Jack Russell terriers."

Police have issued an appeal for witnesses to the collision, which happened at around 3pm.

A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Constabulary said: "Officers investigating this collision would now like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed it.

"At around 3pm, a Volvo was travelling along the road from Minehead to Taunton.

"As the Volvo approached Upcott Lane it began to turn right.

"A Suzuki Swift travelling in the opposite direction met the Volvo at the brow of the hill and the two collided.

"The occupants of the Suzuki were released from the car by firefighters and airlifted to Frenchay.

"The Volvo driver was taken to Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton, where he later died of his injuries."

Firefighters from Minehead, Williton and Lynton, together with a rescue tender from Taunton were sent to the scene.

A spokesman for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said: "Upon arrival crews confirmed a two vehicle road traffic collision, with two casualties still within one vehicle.

"Crews set to work stabilising the vehicles and assisting paramedics.

"Crews set to work using cutting equipment to remove the side of one car and released two casualties with the assistance of ambulance service personnel."

Mr Sayers leaves a son, Jonathan and a daughter, Jane.

Anyone with information about the collision should contact the police collision investigation unit on 101.