A WOMAN died and her partner was left fighting for his life after their car was in collision with a lorry yesterday.

The incident happened shortly after 10am on the A688 at the entrance to the Bowburn services area, Durham.

It is believed that the couple, both 54, and foreign nationals, were leaving the services in their Renault when it was in collision with a Mercedes articulated lorry.

The woman, who was the front seat passenger, was taken to the University Hospital of North Durham, where she was confirmed as dead on arrival.

Her partner, who was driving, was taken by air ambulance to Newcastle General Hospital, where his condition was said to be critical.

The lorry's 47-year-old driver, from the Bishop Auckland area, was treated at the University Hospital of North Durham for minor injuries.

The road between Bowburn and Tursdale was closed for about three hours.