A MIDDLE-AGED woman was seriously ill in hospital last night after a head-on crash.

The accident happened when a Suburu Impreza, was overtaking on the A691 near Leadgate, County Durham, collided with a Citroen AX driven by the 44-year-old woman.

The driver of the Suburu, a 36-year-old man from Shotley Bridge, suffered minor injuries and was treated at the University Hospital in Durham.

The Citroen driver, from Lanchester, suffered fractures to her right leg, left arm and a suspected fracture to her pelvis. She was in a comfortable condition last night

Witnesses are asked to call 0191-386 4929.