NINE people were taken to hospital after a car collided with a mini-bus late on Saturday night.

The female passenger of a VW Polo had to be cut free after the car failed to negotiate a left-hand and collided with a minibus outside the Sportman's Inn, at Canney Hill, Bishop Auckland.

Six people travelling on the 14 seater mini-bus, which belonged to Martindales, in Shildon, were treated for minor injuries at Bishop Auckland Hospital and released.

The driver of the minibus was taken along with the car driver and passenger to the University Hospital, Durham.

The two occupants from the car were detained but the bus driver was treated for minor chest injuries and released.

The accident happened at about 10.45pm and the road was closed for almost three hours.

Peggy Martindale, of Martindales Taxis, said today that she was still waiting to get the details but her main concern was for the passengers and everyone involved.

She said: "I just hope everybody is all right."