A MOTORCYCLIST was airlifted to hospital this afternoon following an accident on the roundabout at the Scotch Corner junction with the A1.

The man, thought to be in his 60's, is from the Boldon Colliery, Tyne and Wear.

He suffered serious chest injuries and was treated by a paramedic and doctor at the scene.

The Great North Air Ambulance, which was called shortly after noon, then took him to James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough.

His condition was described as stable.