THREE people killed in a two-car collision on the A1 in the North-East were tonight named by police.

Stanley Loftus, 82, and 76-year-old Harold Fox, were pronounced dead at the scene, near Swarland, south of Alnwick, Northumberland, following the accident at around 1.30pm, on Saturday.

Mr Loftus, of Vale House, Newcastle, and Mr Fox, of Swarland, were in a Rover car which collided with a Saab vehicle, near the junction for Guyzance.

They were cut free from the wreckage of the Rover by firefighters, along with 71-year-old May Fox, also of Swarland.

She was initially described as in a critical condition, but police confirmed she, too, died in hospital, today.

A 56-year-old Berwick man who was driving the Saab, was able to free himself from his damaged car following the crash.

He was said to be in a stable condition in Newcastle General Hospital.

The A1 was closed in both directions for several hours following the accident.

Many people heading to see the Prince of Wales performing the opening of the Alnwick Garden were held up in the tail-backs that emerged after the collision.

Witnesses to the accident were asked to contact Northumbria Police's motor patrols unit, on (08456) 043 043, extension 61374, or 61326.