A MAN died after he was thrown from his car in an accident yesterday.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident, which took place half a mile north-west of Thorpe Larches, on the A177 at the Tees/Durham border at about 9am.

It is believed the man, who is in his early 20s and from Tyneside, was driving a Renault Clio car when he appeared to lose control, causing the car to leave the carriageway.

The car overturned and the driver was thrown clear, colliding with the branch of a tree. He was declared dead at the scene.

The road was closed from 9am. One lane was re-opened at 4.30pm, but the other lane was still closed at 5.15pm last night.

Witnesses have been asked to call police accident investigators on 0191-375 2159.