A lorry driver has died after his chemical tanker crossed the central reservation of the A1 and hit a telegraph pole.

The accident, which happened at approximately 6.30am today, has caused massive delays on the busy stretch of motorway near Catterick.

Fire chiefs ordered part of the road sealed off and they pumped thousands of gallons of foam onto the crystalline chemical phthalicanhydride spilled from the tanker.

Police set up diversions and long tailbacks have developed as traffic is diverted via the A19.

Thousands of motorists have been affected by the accident and the delays will go on for hours. The stretch of road is expected to be closed until at least 4pm today.

Accident investigators said the chemical tanker had been travelling north at about 6.30am when it crossed the central reservation hitting another lorry then the telegraph pole.

The driver of the chemical tanker, who is not believed to be local, died instantly. The driver of the other lorry was not seriously hurt. A police spokesman warned motorists to expect disruption for at least eight hours.