A LORRY load of frozen chickens caused traffic chaos yesterday morning.

The 12-tonne vehicle crashed into the central reservation of the A1(M) north of the Aycliffe interchange just before 7am.

The accident caused an initial tailback and the northbound carriageway was closed between the Aycliffe and Bradbury interchanges.

The closure led to delays on the A167, which was used as a diversion while the lorry was recovered and the road cleared. The road was reopened at about 10am.

The lorry driver was taken to hospital with chest injuries, which are not though to be serious.