A motorcyclist has died following a collision with a car this morning.

The incident, which involved an orange Kawasaki ZX-6R motorbike and a silver Vauxhall Meriva car, happened just after 7am on the A693 between Pelton and Beamish, County Durham.

The bike was heading in the direction of Consett when it collided with the car near to the junction with Greensbank, West Pelton.

The 29-year-old rider motorcyclist, from Chester-le-Street, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the car, a 45-year-old woman from Stanley, has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving.

The road was shut in both directions for about five hours while the emergency services attended the scene.

Police are appealing for anyone with any information to call the collision investigation unit on 0191-3752159.