FIVE people were still being treated in hospital yesterday after two accidents which happened within minutes of each other near Darlington.

Philip Stallard, of Catterick, North Yorkshire, was thrown from his red Honda motorcycle in a collision with a car on the northbound carriageway of the A1 near the junction with the A66(M) at about 6.40pm on Monday.

He was taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital with serious injuries after the accident in which his bike ended up wedged under the axle of a lorry.

Staff there described Mr Stallard's condition as comfortable last night.

Meanwhile, Jacqueline Ingleby and Margaret Tarrington, of Darlington, and Sheila Pearson and Patricia Ablett, of Melsonby, North Yorkshire, were also recovering in the same hospital after a two-car accident at about 6.30pm on Monday.

The silver Renault Clio and the white Rover collided on the road between Barton and Stapleton. Although their injuries were described as serious by police, none of the four injured women was on the critical list.

Anyone who may be able to help with inquiries into the accident is asked to call PC David Shotton on (01609) 789334.