A CRASH partially closed the A1(M) motorway in County Durham on Thursday morning.

Two vehicles collided in the fast lane of the motorway near Chester-le-Street.

The accident closed a lane on the southbound carriageway between the Junction 64 Washington turnoff and the Junction 63 at Chester-le-Street.

Lengthy traffic queues built up on the southbound carriageway as a result.

The accident has now been cleared and the road reopened.