A PAIR of lorry drivers came to the rescue to help police stop a motorist who had been driving in the wrong direction on a busy dual carriageway with just three wheels after an accident.

The black Mazda car was involved in a crash with a heavy goods vehicle at the Rokeby junction of the A66, near Barnard Castle County Durham at about 9am yesterday.

The accident left the car badly damaged, with one wheel hanging off the axle.

The female driver then made off westbound on the eastbound carriageway of the road, which is a popular route for hauliers and gypsies crossing the Pennines.

The car continued on the wrong side of the road before rejoining the westbound carriageway then failed to stop for a marked police patrol vehicle near Bowes Moor.

Inspector Kevin Tuck, from Teesdale and Weardale police, said: "The drivers of two wagons supplemented the efforts of officers to bring this car to a stop, drawing up alongside of it and in front.

"This was invaluable assistance and prevented what could have been a serious accident. The drivers didn't stay to be thanked so I would like to extend my appreciation to them now.

"Technically they didn't do things right but they did the right thing.

"The HGV drivers could see the real danger being posed to other motorists and seemed to act instinctively in support of the officer.

"Their actions enabled the arrest to be made but when the officer went to thank them they had carried on their journey."

A 46-year-old woman from North Yorkshire was breathalised at the scene and found to be over the limit so charged with driving with excess alcohol. She will appear at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates on June 22 where police will allege she was four and a half times over the alcohol legal limit.