TWO women had a miraculous escape yesterday when their small car was demolished in a head-on collision with a lorry.

Witnesses said they were startled to find both alive in the wreckage after the crash on the A66 at Bowes, near Barnard Castle, County Durham.

Debris from the women's Renault Clio was scattered 30 yards down the road.

The articulated lorry, carrying a combined harvester, went over a grass verge and hit a dry stone wall.

The middle-aged woman driving the car was not thought to be seriously injured.

Her front seat passenger appeared to be in pain but was able to talk as she was taken to an ambulance.

They had been travelling towards Scotch Corner. Both were taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital.

The lorry driver, who was heading towards Brough, was not hurt.

Gavin Pallister, assistant district manager for the fire and rescue service in the area, said: "Both ladies have been extremely fortunate. They would expect anyone in such a wrecked vehicle to be seriously injured at very least."

Farmer's wife Deborah Sayer, who lives nearby, said: "I am really amazed that anyone got out of it alive."

The road was closed until both vehicles could be cleared. Traffic was diverted through Bowes village.

A police officer at the scene said: "It will take some time work out exactly how it happened."