A DRIVER died in the early hours of New Year's Day after his car left the road and crashed into a fence.

The accident happened at 1.10am in Green Lane, Ashington, Northumberland, near its junction with Chillingham Crescent.

Police said the car, a red Peugeot 206, failed to negotiate a right-hand bend, crossed the road and crashed into a fence bordering allotments.

The 31-year-old driver, an Ashington man who has not been named, was declared dead at the scene.

His passenger, a 26-year-old man, suffered head injuries and was last night being treated at Wansbeck Hospital, but his condition was not thought to be life-threatening.

The road was closed for four hours as accident investigators examined the scene.

Police last night appealed for anyone with information to contact 0191-214 6555, extension 61972