THE eastbound carriageway of the A66 near Barnard Castle, in County Durham, has been closed after a two vehicle accident this morning.

The collision, between a Vauxhall Corsa and a Ford Ranger 4x4 happened shortly before 11.30am at the road works near to the junction with Greta Bridge.

The Corsa ended up on its roof and the male driver was transported by air ambulance to the James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough, with what are believed to be serious, but not life-threatening head and shoulder injuries.

A passenger in the vehicle has also been taken to the same hospital but is not thought to be badly hurt.

The male driver of the Ford was treated at scene for minor injuries.

The eastbound carriageway is expected to re-open shortly, once the recovery operation to remove the two vehicles has been completed.