A MAN has been taken to hospital after his car collided with a horse this morning.

The accident occurred just after 5.30am on the A689, at Newton Cap viaduct, between Bishop Auckland and Toronto, in County Durham.

The unnamed motorist, from Witton-le-Wear, was freed from his Audi by firefighters, and taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital, suffering from neck, back, and chest injuries.

The horse died at the scene, and was removed by Durham County Council officials.

It is thought there were another three horses on the road at the time of the accident.

Two appliances from Bishop Auckland Fire Station, and the special rescue unit, attended the scene.

The road was closed for almost two hours after the collision.