A MAN is in hospital with "life-changing" injuries following a crash in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

The crash involved two cars and happened at about 1.15am on the A690 at West Rainton, in County Durham.

It occurred at the Pittington Road junction and involved a Vauxhall Corsa, which was crossing the A690 and an Audi S3, which is understood to have been travelling towards Durham City.

A 42-year-old man from Houghton-le-Spring, who was driving the Audi, and a man from Durham, 44, who was in the car, were both taken to the  Royal Victoria Infirmary at Newcastle with serious injuries.

The passenger's injuries were described as "life changing."

Both men are now in a stable condition. 

A 21-year-old man from Hartlepool, who was driving the Corsa, was uninjured. 

The westbound carriageway was closed until about 7am. 

Police are appealing for any witnesses to get in touch by calling 101.