NINE children and a pregnant passenger were taken to hospital after a van hit a tree.

Six medical crews were called to the incident which happened at 11.11am today when a Renault Trafic hit a tree after it veered off the road between Bishopton and Great Stainton.

The Renault was the only vehicle involved in the accident, with a police accident unit called to the scene to find out how the accident happened.

The Great North Air Ambulance was called and was the first on the scene. Another three road ambulances and two other paramedic response vehicles attended.

Those injured included a 26-year-old pregnant woman and nine children, aged between four and 11 years old. They were treated for a range of injuries, including a girl with a broken arm, pelvis injuries, cuts and bruises.

They were taken to North Tees Hospital, in Stockton.

The driver, a 31-year-old woman, was reported for overloading the vehicle. She is expected to receive a court summons in due course.