A TAXI driver was taken to hospital yesterday after his taxi smashed into a landmark in Barnard Castle.

Police and paramedics were called to the Market Cross after a blue Skoda Octavia taxi, working for Barnard Castle-based Hodgson's Private Hire, came off the road and crashed into a stone wall shortly before 11am.

The male driver of the car, which was carrying a passenger at the time, was taken to hospital in an ambulance.

His female customer was taken to hospital as a precaution by her daughter.

Traffic was held up in the town centre for 30 minutes as police investigated.

Sergeant Brendan Coll, of Barnard Castle police, said: "A male who was the driver of the vehicle was taken to hospital with minor injuries.

"Investigations are ongoing to establish the cause of the accident."

The extent of damage to the Market Cross, which acts as a roundabout in the town, is still unknown.

"Obviously, with an accident such as this, it is likely there may be some damage, but there was nothing that needed immediate remedial work or a road closure," said Sgt Coll.

Hodgson's Private Hire was not available for comment.

Witnesses are asked to call PC Lorraine Nelson at Barnard Castle police on 0845-6060365.