A MAN who had to be cut from his car after it was involved in a collision and landed on its roof escaped without serious injury, police have this morning confirmed.

The A68 between Witton-le-Wear and Fir Tree, near Bishop Auckland, was shut for four hours last night after a Ford Transit and a Vauxhall Vectra crashed just after 6pm.

The Vectra driver, a 43-year-old man from the Stanhope area, was cut out of the vehicle by the fire and rescue service.

He was taken to the University Hospital of North Durham and was detained overnight. Durham police this morning described his condition as minor injuries. 

It is understood the Ford Transit driver, a 55-year-old man from the Crook area, also escaped without serious injury.

The busy route remained closed until 10.15pm, while accident investigators examined the scene.

Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to contact Durham police on 101.