POLICE officers were guiding drivers around a large tree that was blocking a country road in the early hours of this morning.

Officers from Durham Constabulary were called at 4am to reports of the uprooted tree blocking both lanes on the unlit A181 at Wingate.

A police spokesman confirmed the whole tree had been uprooted and was blocking both carriageways.

"The whole tree had come down and officers were unable to move it due to its size," he said. "However, vehicles were able to pass through with great care and because the tree had come down on an unlit, fast road, our officers remained on the scene to ensure traffic could and the public were protected."

Council workers arrived to clear the debris shortly afterwards and the road was re-opened just before 5.30am.

It is not believed anyone was injured during the incident.