THE parents of a Selby firefighter's wife who died in a freak road accident today paid a moving tribute to their "little gem."

Helen Winder, 26, was killed instantly when the car in which she was a front-seat passenger collided with a stray horse on the A1 near Bramham crossroads.

Her firefighter husband James, 27, who was at the wheel of the Ford Mondeo, suffered serious head injuries and a broken neck.

Helen's devastated parents, Jacqueline and Alan Peck, said today they had lost a daughter in a million.

Mrs Peck said the message in a condolence card she received from the family of Helen's best friend summed up her daughter.

The message read: "Helen was a gem. Her sparkling personality and lovely sense of humour made it a pleasure to be in her company."

Helen was studying for a master's degree at Hull University, hoping to become a probation or social worker.

Speaking at her home, in Bramhope, near Leeds, Mrs Peck said: "She was a real live wire and would have had so much to offer - it's such a tragic waste.

"She lived life to the full and packed more into her 26 years than most people would do in twice that time.

"Both Helen and James loved walking and were kindred spirits."

She said her husband, Alan, had got a diary of Helen's, charting the coast-to-coast walk they completed together 14 years ago.

Mrs Peck added: "Helen was only 12 at the time and the diary is a great comfort to her dad."

Mr Winder, who moved to Selby fire station from Ripon a year ago after being promoted to leading firefighter, was today said to be "stable" in Leeds General Infirmary.

His colleagues on the Blue Watch at Selby visited him in hospital yesterday as he recovered from surgery, which included inserting metal plates in his neck.

Chief fire officer Eric Clark said Mr Winder had a reputation for being extremely fit, which he was sure would aid his recovery.

He said: "All our thoughts and prayers are with him, his family and particularly Helen's family."

The crash happened just before 8am on New Year's Day when two horses escaped from a field on to the southbound carriageway of the A1.

The couple were returning home to Selby from New Year celebrations with friends.

The couple's two dogs, a border collie and a springer spaniel, were in the car but were unhurt and are being looked after by friends.

Updated: 10:58 Wednesday, January 09, 2002