A DRIVER died yesterday afternoon after he lost control of his car, which careered into a garden.

The local man, who was in his sixties, was driving in Etherley Road, at Etherley Grange, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, when he suffered a suspected heart attack. He was taken to Bishop Auckland General Hospital, but later died.

Police said that residents had a lucky escape, as trees lining the gardens stopped the car ploughing into the houses.

Sergeant Kevin Tuck, of Bishop Auckland police, said: "The vehicle left the road and travelled across a garden and struck a row of conifers, which slowed the car down.

"We believe they prevented it from hitting one of the bungalows."