MOTOR sports fans saw drama on and off the track when an air ambulance was twice called to a bank holiday motocross meeting.

Two people had to be airlifted to hospital from a motocross event on Monday after separate accidents at Wooley Grange Farm, near Stanley, Crook.

One female marshal was hit by a motorbike after a rider lost control and an 11-year-old rider sustained leg injuries in an accident later in the day.

An Ambulance Service spokesman said a 25-year-old woman was flown to the University Hospital of North Tees, in Stockton, with suspected head and spinal injuries after the accident at about 11.30am.

The spokesman said she was struck on the head and neck by a motocross bike after the rider lost control while attempting a jump. She was discharged from hospital the same night.

First aiders at the scene were joined by a road ambulance and a paramedic rapid response vehicle, as well as the North-East Air Ambulance.

The air ambulance and two road ambulances were called out again shortly after 6pm to tend to the boy. He was flown to the University Hospital of North Durham with a broken leg.

The youngster was attempting to negotiate a jump when he fell from his bike and dropped around ten feet.

Durham Police said they were unaware of the accidents and the fact the event was taking place, although off-road events usually require little more than a courtesy call or letter by way of notification.

At the time of print, the track's owner could not be contacted for comment, but one motocross fan said the track was well organised and affiliated to the Autocycle Union, British motorcycle sport's governing body.

A spokesperson for ACU said: "We don't have a record of this event but that is not unusual as local events don't need a permit from the national body.

"But they would probably contact their regional representative, as with most event organisers, and have the full complement of safety features demanded by the union such as first aiders and marshals."

The accidents come just four months after a four year-old boy and his uncle were seriously injured when a motocross rider accidentally careered into them during a meeting at Consett.