A YOUNG rally driver is due back in the North-East next week, following a car crash in Sweden.

Guy Wilks, from Heighington, near Darlington, was injured when his Ford Puma car crashed into a private vehicle.

Contrary to earlier reports, the 19-year-old has not suffered two broken legs, but has broken a bone in a wrist and received a bump on the head. It still meant he was unable to compete in the second round of the World Rally Championship

Guy's co-driver, Clive Jenkins, who was also reported to have broken his legs, was not in the car at the time.

Rob Arthur, a friend of the Wilks family, said Guy and his father, Philip, are due back in the region over the next few days.

He said the accident happened while Guy was on a reconnaissance drive, in preparation for the rally.

"He has broken a bone in his wrist and got a bump on his head, which means he was unable to take part in the rally," he said. He should, though, be fit enough to take part in the British Masters Rally Championship in March.

l The information in yesterday's story was supplied by a news agency. The Northern Echo would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused.