A DRIVER is recovering in hospital after he swerved to avoid a fox and his car hit a tree.

The 46-year-old from Wearside, who has not been named by police, told officers he lost control of his Vauxhall Astra as he tried to avoid the animal he encountered in the middle of the road.

He was driving along the A167 at Beaumont Hill, near Darlington, when the incident happened at about 4.30pm on Thursday.

His car left the road, collided with a tree and then spun into another tree, before coming to rest.

The driver was taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital with multiple injuries, including a fractured hip and chest injuries.

A police spokesman said: "The road was busy at the time and we would ask anyone who saw the incident to get in touch."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0191-386 4929.