THE A19 has reopened after it was shut when a man collapsed at the wheel of his car.

Durham Police said the road was closed north bound between the A179 junction turn off for Hartlepool and the A181.

A Durham Police spokesman said: "Police were called to reports of a traffic incident involving one vehicle on the northbound side of the A19 near Hartlepool at about 2:40pm today (Thursday).

"The northbound carriageway was closed at the A179 junction to allow access for the Great North Air Ambulance.

"The male driver has been taken to Hartlepool General Hospital with serious injuries."

Durham RPU said the road was reopened just before 4.30pm.