THE devastated husband of a North Yorkshire woman tragically killed during a freak camel riding accident in Egypt, today called for new rules making protective headgear compulsory.

Brian Hewitt, of Wiganthorpe, near Malton, was speaking after the death of his wife, Valerie.

Garden designer Mrs Hewitt, 61, died of her injuries after being thrown from a camel. Not wearing headgear, she suffered serious injuries after hitting her head on the hard ground.

Mr Hewitt said: "The safety aspect needs to be looked at and improved, camels have a life and will of their own. If the rules are changed then hopefully another incident like this can be prevented."

Mr Hewitt said he was still in shock, but was trying to come to terms with his loved one's death.

"It is a matter of taking things one day at a time," he said.

Mr Hewitt said the couple's two daughters, Amanda and Samantha, were also dealing with their mother's death as best they could.

He paid tribute to the memory of his wife.

"She was always smiling and laughing, a very happy person. She never stopped," Mr Hewitt added.

Mrs Hewitt died on October 9 in hospital in Cairo.

Updated: 11:25 Wednesday, October 22, 2003