LOOSE cows brought cars to a halt in a town on Tuesday as around ten of the animals stopped in and then ran down a road at around 8pm.

Drivers on Coniscliffe Rd near Baydale Beck were surprised to see cows on the road and were forced to stop as they anticipated the animal's movements.

Paul Liddement, who was driving his family back from Merrybent to West Park, Darlington, brought his car to a gradual stop after spotting the cows far in advance.

The cows began running in Mr Liddement's direction, on the other side of the road, with his six-year-old daughter shouting "cows, cows, cows, running, running, running" in excitement as they passed the car.

The 41-year-old dad-of-two said: "I can see the farmland from my wife's parent's house in Merrybent but most people won't know there's a farm around there. It is surprising to see them out, it's quite a big deal for local people.

Durham Police were made aware of the situation and said by around 8.30pm all of the ten cows were rounded up and secured in a nearby field by officers.