A VAN driver has appeared in court following a crash that killed a grandmother and left her husband and son-in-law seriously injured.

Mary Graham died after the crash on the southbound side of the A1(M) near the Newton Aycliffe junction at around 10.15pm on Friday.

She was travelling with her family in a silver Toyota Auris when it was in collision with a white Transit van.

The van driver, Razwan Hussain, 34, went before magistrates at Newton Aycliffe on Monday afternoon accused of drink driving, three counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, one of aggravated vehicle taking and one of driving without insurance.

Mrs Graham was taken to James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough, with serious injuries but has since died from her injuries.

Her husband and son-in-law remain in hospital.

The female driver of the Auris and an 11-year-old boy were taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital but have since been discharged.

Mr Hussain, of Pilgrim Avenue, Dewsbury, Kirklees, was arrested at the scene.

Stephen Andrews, representing Mr Hussain, made no application for bail and no indication of plea was given.

Mr Hussain was remanded into custody by chairman of the bench William Smith and proceedings were adjourned to Teesside Crown Court on September 2.

Prosecutor Paul Anderson said: "He is facing a lengthy custodial sentence if convicted."

A spokeswoman for Durham police said officers would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the collision, or saw the vehicles being driven beforehand.

They would also like to hear from anyone who may have dashcam footage of the collision, or the lead up to it.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Durham Constabulary on 101, quoting incident number 556 of August 2.