A 23-year-old driver is fighting for his life after a road accident.

The man, who has not been named, was in a Peugot 306 which collided with a Ford Transit pick-up in Long Lane at Todhills, between Willington and Binchester, on Thursday evening.

He was airlifted to Newcastle General Hospital, where he underwent seven hours of surgery yesterday.

Police said he was suffering from injuries to his head, arm, legs and face, and described his condition as critical last night.

The road was closed for an hour while firefighters cut the driver from the wreckage of his vehicle and the police helicopter searched the area for any possible passengers who might have been thrown clear.

The pick-up driver, a 36-year-old man from the Binchester area, suffered chest and whiplash injuries which were not thought to be serious.

Anyone with information on the accident, which happened before 6pm, is asked to contact the accident investigation unit at Durham police headquarters, telephone 0191-386-4929