A MOTORCYCLIST died after his Yamaha collided with a van on a country road.

Robert Lowe, 44, of Station Avenue, Brandon, near Durham City, died of multiple injuries in Darlington Memorial Hospital following the accident near Darlington on Tuesday.

The driver of the Ford Fiesta van, a 40-year-old man from Darlington, suffered internal injuries and is said to be "quite comfortable'' in the Memorial.

Mr Lowe is believed to have been heading home from Helmsley, North Yorkshire, with three other motorcyclists.

A Durham Police spokesman said the accident happened between Sadberge and Great Stainton at about 9.10pm. As Mr Lowe turned his red and white 998cc Yamaha right, from Hill House Lane into Bishopton Lane, at the Petty's Nook junction, he collided with the van.

Police are appealing for witnesses to call them on 0191-386 4929.