A LORRY driver had to be freed from his cab after the vehicle overturned, spilling 30 tonnes of wood chippings.

The emergency services were called to Long Bank, Birtley, Gateshead, around 4.50pm yesterday where they found the 40-tonne wagon at the junction of Long Bank and the A1.

The driver, aged 48, was unable to free himself and fire crews gave him first aid until the arrival of paramedics.

They then removed the windscreen and lifted him out on a stretcher, before he was taken by ambulance to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, suffering from a head injury.