THOUSANDS of people in Herefordshire have been shocked at the news that the doctor who looked after their health for 44 years has been killed in a road accident, writes LIZ WATKINS.

And their sorrow has been made worse on hearing that his son, a long-serving paramedic with the county Ambulance service was in one of the first emergency crews called to the scene of his death.

Dr Douglas Alton Chandler of Kingstone is believed to have died instantly when the car in which he was a passenger was involved in a three-car collision at the infamous McIntyre's bend between Belmont and Clehonger.

The doctor, aged 80, was on his way home after a happy evening at the Courtyard Theatre watching a showing of The Gondoliers performed by the Gilbert and Sullivan Operatic Society with whom he had been involved for more than 50 years and was now its President.

The accident happened at 10-25pm on Friday and paramedic Tim Chandler was among members of the ambulance service who attended.

His first task was to tend to the driver of a silver Audi who had serious injuries and it was while doing so he realised the front seat passenger was his own father.

Tim, who has been in the service for many years, was relieved of his duties by colleagues and is now recovering from what is known by members of emergency services as their worst nightmare when answering calls for help.

The driver of the car was Peter Dowsett, a friend of Dr Chandler, and like him a member of the G&S Society, who was taking him home.

Mr Dowsett suffered leg and head injuries and was admitted to the General Hospital where his condition is reported as stable.

The driver of a Sierra car travelling towards Hereford and involved in the collision had serious head and leg injuries and was transferred to Frenchay Hospital in Bristol. His condition was described as critical. His name has not been released.

Two people in the third car, a Citreon Xantia and travelling towards Clehonger sustained shock injuries.

Dr Chandler was a much-loved GP who came to Herefordshire with his late wife Sylvia to join Dr Oliver Cotton at the Kingstone practice in 1947.

Before that he had been medical officer with the RAF at nearby Madley aerodrome and at one time was team leader with the mountain rescue service at St Athan, one of the first such units to use a helicopter.

For 44 years Dr Chandler looked after his patients in a large rural practice retiring in 1991.

In the time since his death, tributes have poured in, the community expressing its sorrow at the nature of his going and that he will be sorely missed.

He has been described as a marvellous man, much admired for his medical skills, compassion and wise counsel.

The Bishop of Hereford, Rt. Rev. John Oliver, said: "Douglas Chandler's sudden and tragic death has caused great sadness to many people who knew and loved him as their family doctor for more than 40 years or as a Reader in the Church of England for the past 16 years.

"He was a man of great kindness, courtesy and dignity with a fine sense of humour and a passionate love of the countryside, of birds and of Gilbert and Sullivan. It was good that he had been able to attend a wonderful performance of his beloved Gondoliers just before his fatal accident."

Dr Chandler's two sons, Tim, who lived next door and John, a science teacher in Harrogate, said he was a loving father and a tower of strength.

Dr Chandler enjoyed painting, music and photography. He is survived by his sons John and Tim, daughters in law Rosemary and Shelagh and grandchildren Amy and Ben. His funeral is at Kingstone Church on Tuesday, March 19, at 12 noon. Family flowers only and donations to St John Ambulance.

Police are asking witnesses to the accident to call PC Simon Prater on 01432 276422.