The close-knit Yorkshire Wolds farming community was today trying to come to terms with the second horrifying accident to have rocked it in just two months.

Farmers around Thixendale, who were still reeling from the accident which nearly took the life of Charles Brader, are now in mourning for Brian Megginson, his uncle.

Mr Megginson, who farmed land near to that of his long-time friend and relative Mr Brader, and who was battling bravely against cancer, was crushed by a tractor while working in the fields. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Family members, who have received letters of condolence from Mr Megginson's many friends, have paid tribute to a "gentleman farmer" who was loved and respected by all who knew him.

Mr Megginson's daughter, Esther Palmer, said it was an unbelievable tragedy that two family members had been involved in such terrible accidents.

"The whole family is completely devastated by his loss," she said. "He is irreplaceable."

Mrs Palmer said her father, who was a keen shooter and Leeds United fan, and who had farmed the land near Thixendale for more than 40 years, was admired and respected in the community.

"I never heard a bad word said against him," she said.

She said that while her father was not ready to die, he may have taken some comfort from the fact that he died on the land he loved.

"He wouldn't have wanted to die in hospital of cancer," she said.

Mr Megginson's cancer was incurable, but he had been told shortly before his death that his prognosis was excellent.

His friend, John Burdass, said the death had come as a great shock.

"He was a greatly respected man and will be sorely missed," he said.

It is believed the handbrake on the tractor involved in last Sunday's accident was faulty.

The Health and Safety Executive is considering its findings following an investigation.

Mrs Palmer said her 67-year-old father had been extremely upset by the near-fatal accident suffered by his nephew.

Mr Brader was pinned beneath his tractor for two hours when it overturned on a steep bank in July.

He spent weeks in hospital in Leeds, and is now making good progress at home.

Mr Megginson, who was born in Towthorpe, leaves two daughters, Debbie and Esther, and six grandchildren - Adam, Liam, Zo, Amy, Hannah and Sarah.

His funeral takes place on Saturday at 1pm at Sledmere Church, followed by interment at Thixendale Church.