A YOUNG driver died following a collision in the early hours of New Year’s Day.

The 23-year-old man suffered serious injuries after he collided with a lamppost, the front of a Chinese takeaway and wall of an old church.

He was in a white Mitsubishi L200, with orange roof lights, travelling west along Hawthorn Terrace, in Blucher, near Newcastle, when he crashed at around 3.35am.

He was taken to the RVI in Newcastle, where he died as a result of his injuries.

Specialist trained police officers are supporting his family.

There were no other casualties.

The road was closed for four hours while emergency services were at the scene.

Police are appealing for any witnesses to the collision, or anyone who saw the vehicle being driven prior to the crash, to come forward. To help, call 101 and ask for Motor Patrols quoting FWIN 405 010118.