A MAIN road near a school has been closed after a two-car crash.

Police were called to a collision just outside of St Bede’s School in Lanchester shortly after 3pm today.

The collision involved an Audi and a Renault Megane.

The driver of the Audi is believed to have been injured and is being assessed by colleagues from North East Ambulance Service.

Firefighters from County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service were alerted to the crash at 15:22 this afternoon.

A spokesperson said: "Two appliances attended, one from Consett and another from High Handenhold.

"One female adult was extracted from the vehicle using specialist equipment and has been taken to hospital. We have now left the scene."

The road remains closed.

Neville Harrison, headteacher at St Bede’s School, said most children had been taken home and plans were being made for others still there in revision sessions.

He said: “The road has been closed so it is a bit chaotic at the moment, but we will make sure everyone gets home safely.”