AN Aussie soap star was among three pantomime cast members injured in a car-crash in the region.

Lucinda Cowden, was badly bruised in the two-car collision near Durham City on Friday.

The early hours crash has meant two fellow cast members are unable to appear in the seasonal production of Peter Pan at Durham's Gala Theatre.

Ms Cowden was a passenger in a Citroen Saxo, which was involved in an accident with a Volkswagen Golf at Nevilles Cross, at the junction of the A690 and A167.

The Australian, who played Melanie Pearson in the soap Neighbours in the early 1990s, was able to take to the stage as Peter Pan for Friday evening's performance.

Cast member Adam Jenkins, who plays pirate Bad Breath Seth, was driving the Saxo.

He was arrested on suspicion of drink-driving after undergoing a breath test at the scene, following the accident, shortly before 5am.

The actor, also a lead dancer in the show, has been withdrawn from the production.

His part has been filled by an understudy, as has the role of Wendy, meant to played by co-star Victoria Jones. She suffered a suspected fractured pelvis in the crash.

Due to her injuries, she will be unable to return to the show before it ends its run, early next month.

Production director David Lee, who wrote the show, said everyone involved in the panto was "deeply shocked" to learn of the accident.

He said: "Following a medical examination, we are delighted that Lucinda has pledged to carry on in the title role of Peter Pan. We take the opportunity of wishing Victoria a speedy recovery."