A 22-year-old man has suffered serious injuries following a crash on the A595.

The man, from Mealsgate, was driving a black Ford Focus, which was in collision with a HGV.

He had to be cut free by firefighters and was taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle with serious injuries.

Police initially said his injuries were "potentially life-altering" but following treatment, that is no longer the case.

The other vehicle involved was a John Elliot Ltd highways maintenance tipper truck.

Nobody else was injured in the crash, which happened at 7.32am at Mealsgate, near to the B5299 junction.

The busy main road was closed in both directions for several hours.

Emergency services, including the Great North Air Ambulance, paramedics and firefighters, were at the scene.

Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the crash, or saw either of the vehicles prior to the collision, to contact them.

Call 101 quoting incident number 21 of February 27.