MINUTES after this picture was taken, tragedy struck when a North Yorkshire woman was killed in this rally car, driven by her brother.

Chris Francis, a stalwart of Malton Motor Club, died when the white Subaru Impreza in which she was the navigator left the track and collided with a tree.

The car, driven by Mrs Francis's brother, Jeff McNeil, a member of York Motor Club, was competing in the Kall Kwik National Rally at Dalby Forest, near Pickering, yesterday.

The accident, which has shocked motor clubs throughout the county, happened at about 1.45pm.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said Mrs Francis, who lived at Cuba Farm, Burythorpe, near Malton, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Tributes were today paid by members of Malton Motor Club and York Motor Club, where Mr McNeil, of Whyte Syke Farm, Sand Hutton, has been a member for more than 15 years.

Mrs Francis, 45, had acted as navigator to her brother for many years. The pair were recognised for their high standards of competition at rally events across the country. Mrs Francis also navigated for her husband, Richard.

Donna Harper, of Malton MC, described Mrs Francis as a really warm, friendly person who "lived life to the full".

She said: "Chris was involved in rallying for many years. It was a shared love with her husband and brother.

"She was incredibly warm and she and Richard were fantastic together. You never saw one without the other. We are all absolutely gutted. It has hit all of us very hard."

John Roberts, chairman of York MC, said Mr McNeil was a dedicated member who had been one of the club's top drivers for more than a decade.

"This is a tragedy for rallying as a whole," he said. "Jeff is always very well prepared as is his car. He is a quiet and dedicated member who had been partnered with Christine for a long time.

"He attends all our meetings and we offer our condolences to his and Christine's family."

Kall Kwik Rally spokesman Jamie Edwards said: "They were both experienced competitors.

"The saddest thing in this situation is that everyone who goes rallying knows the risks involved. Unfortunately accidents do happen.

"Everyone who took part in the Kall Kwik National Rally and organisers De Lacy Motor Club offers their sincere condolences to the family and friends of those involved. These incidents are very rare and few and far between. It's very, very sad and tragic.

"It is part and parcel of what we do at the end of the day. Nobody ever, ever thinks about the worst that could happen."

Mr Edwards said the rally continued after the accident, but it was re-routed and shortened. The finish presentation was cancelled because of the tragedy.

North Yorkshire Police have appealed for witnesses to the accident to come forward and phone them on 01723 509662.

Updated: 11:13 Monday, February 23, 2004