A MAN was seriously injured and four other people required hospital treatment after a collision between two cars this afternoon.

Emergency services were called to the B1280 at Wingate, near Peterlee, County Durham, at around 6.25pm.

It followed a collision between a Nissan Primera and a Volkswagen Golf.

The driver of the Primera suffered multiple fractures and had to be cut free from his vehicle by fire-fighters.

He was, however, believed to be conscious and able to speak to rescue workers.

He was taken by air ambulance to the James Cook Hospital in Middlesbrough.

Two women and one man, who were passengers in the Primera, were taken to hospital in Hartlepool for treatment to minor injuries, including whiplash.

The female driver of the Golf was taken by Ambulance to North Tees Hospital, but was not believed to be seriously injured.

A fire service spokesman described the accident as a "near to head-on" collision.