A DRIVER died after a head-on crash with another car.

Gary Beasley, 40, from Bishop Auckland, County Durham, had been driving along the A688 near the Dunn House Quarry, at Staindrop, when he was involved in the smash with a Volvo car just before midnight on Wednesday.

The Volvo caught fire and was completely destroyed, but the driver escaped with just a fractured ankle and shock.

It is believed Mr Beasley, from Linburn Drive, lost control of his Citroen car as he negotiated a bend, but the exact cause of the accident will not be known until police accident investigators complete their inquiries.

The road, between Barnard Castle and Staindrop, was closed until 2.30am.

Staindrop Parish Councillor Virginia Trotter said there had been previous accidents on the road.

She said: "I think there is a dangerous bend on that road - there's no doubt about that - but it hasn't been bad enough for us to rush to the council to get it altered.

"The parish council would like to sent their condolences to the family."

Durham Police accident investigation unit is now carrying out inquiries and are appealing for people to come forward with information. The unit can be contacted on 0191-375 2159.

Mr Beasley's family were yesterday too upset to talk.