A STRETCH of the A66 has been closed by the emergency services after a container fell onto the eastbound carriageway blocking travel between County Durham and Cumbria.

The incident, which happened on the A66 between the A67 in Bowes and the A685 in Brough, took place shortly after midday.

It is believed the lorry had lost its load after hitting the central reservation of the A66 towards Brough causing the blockage.

On Wednesday afternoon, the road remained closed while high winds hampered the recovery of the fallen container.

At around 6.40pm, it is understood the westbound carriageway of the affected stretch of road was closed while recovery worked continued.