A Dutch motorist critically injured in a crash in which his wife died was said to be improving in hospital yesterday.

Pieter de Ridder, 54, from Vlaaringen, Holland, was airlifted to Newcastle General Hospital in a critical condition suffering multiple injuries after his Peugeot car collided with a lorry on leaving Durham Service area, off the A1(M) interchange at Bowburn, on Friday.

He was said to be poorly but stable at the hospital yesterday. His wife, Marijke, also 54, a front seat passenger in the car, was confirmed dead on arrival at Durham's University Hospital of North Durham.

Inquest proceedings will be opened and adjourned at County Hall, Durham, today.