A PENSIONER has died and a female driver is critically ill in hospital after a serious road crash in County Durham last night.

Police believe the 69-year-old man, who was driving a blue Nissan Micra north-east on the A690 near West Rainton at 5.40pm yesterday, suffered a seizure at the wheel.

The vehicle crossed the central reservation and collided head-on with a red Hyundai Accent being driven by a 47-year-old woman.

A third vehicle sustained minor damage after colliding with debris on the road.

The 69-year-old was confirmed dead at the scene, while the woman had to be cut free from her vehicle by firefighters and was airlifted to Newcastle General Hospital by the Great North Air Ambulance.

She is now undergoing treatment in intensive care, and is understood to have suffered multiple injuries, including a suspected broken pelvis, leg, arm and possible head injuries.

The road was closed for almost six hours while police investigated the crash.

Officers are now appealing for witnesses to call them on 0345-6060365.