A DRIVER died after a head-on crash with a lorry, in County Durham, yesterday.

Raymond Stones, 49, of Ushaw Moor, Durham City, was travelling on the A167, in Aycliffe Village, when his van collided with the lorry near a disused petrol filling station, at about 11am.

The man was trapped in the wreckage for about an hour before firefighters were able to cut him free, but he was certified dead at the scene.

The people in the lorry were shocked, but unhurt.

The identity of the dead man, who is from County Durham, will not be released until his next of kin have been informed.

Police carried out a detailed examination of the scene yesterday afternoon and the road had to be closed for some time.

Assistant Divisional Officer Alan Ray, of Darlington Fire and Rescue Brigade, said: "The driver of the car was severely trapped and it was so difficult to get him out.

"The collision was horrendous - the engine had totally left the vehicle, and there was debris all over the road.

"We had two fire crews with cutting equipment, but it was a very difficult task.

"He sustained very serious injuries and, despite our efforts and those of the paramedics, he unfortunately died."