TWO people were killed and six people injured when two cars were in collision outside a hotel at the weekend.

The accident happened when a Ford Focus and a Vauxhall Zafira were in a collision at the entrance to Ramside Hall Hotel, near Durham City, at 7pm, on Saturday.

Two passengers in the Vauxhall who died have been identified as Karen Joan Toolan, 37, and Dorothy Eileen Daly, 70, both of Liverpool. Ms Toolan was certified dead at the scene, while Ms Daly died in hospital.

Also in the Vauxhall was the 38-year-old driver, from Ushaw Moor, who suffered chest injuries, a 59-year-old Liverpool woman, who suffered abdominal injuries, and a 31-year-old woman from Liverpool, who suffered leg, back and abdominal injuries.

All three were admitted to the University Hospital of North Durham, where their condition was described as non-life-threatening.

The Ford Focus was driven by a 19-year-old man from Hetton-le-Hole, County Durham, who suffered serious spinal injuries.

His passengers were a 20-year-old man, from Durham, who had slight injuries and was discharged after treatment, and a 21-year-old man, from West Rainton, who suffered chest bruising. The driver and second passenger were admitted to hospital.

A police spokesman said the accident happened when the Ford Focus, travelling south-west on the A690, collided with the Vauxhall Zafira, which was travelling north-east and had turned right on a crossover to enter the hotel.

The road was closed for four hours as a result of the crash.

Any witnesses are asked to call 0191-386 4929.