A PENSIONER is today critically ill in hospital after he came off his motorbike on a country road.

The 68-year-old was travelling on his red Yamaha on the A177 towards Stockton, about a mile south of Sedgefield, County Durham, yesterday.

The accident occurred at about 5.30pm on the southbound carriageway which was then closed for three hours.

A spokesman from Durham Police said: "For some unknown reason the rider has fallen from his motorcycle during an overtaking manoeuvre and has a serious head injury.

"He was taken by ambulance to the University Hospital of North Tees but was later transferred to the James Cook University Hospital where his condition is critical."

Anyone with information is asked to call Durham Police on 0845-6060365.