THE Great North Road was expected to re-open this lunchtime following an early morning smash that caused hours of chaos for motorists.

Both lanes of the A1 just south of Scotch Corner were closed after the two-vehicle smash at around 8.50am today.

The accident happened on the northbound carriageway and involved a Jaguar, which left the road and hit a tree, and a Skoda.

Police then had to close the southbound lanes to allow the air ambulance to land and ferry the seriously-injured Jaguar driver to the James Cook University Hospital at Middlesbrough.

The southbound carriageway re-opened later in the morning and police were hoping to re-open the northbound before 1pm.

The driver of the Skoda was uninjured in the smash.

Any witnesses are asked to contact police on 0845 6060 247.