A SCHOOLBOY is in hospital after a quarter-tonne metal gate fell onto his head.

Nine-year-old Christopher Jefferson was playing with his twin brother near his home in Lambton Terrace, Stanley, County Durham, when the freak accident happened.

The gate, which was leaning against a fence, crashed down on Christopher, hitting him on the head and breaking his wrist.

Police and the Great North Air Ambulance attended the scene shortly before 3pm on Sunday.

Christopher was airlifted to Newcastle General Hospital, where he is understood to be due to undergo surgery today.