A MOTORIST died when his car left the road and ploughed into a tree earlier today (Sunday, December 16).

The man, believed to be in his 60s and from Stockton-on-Tees, was pronounced dead at the scene by a doctor from the Great North Air Ambulance.

The tragedy happened at around 8.30am on the A167 at its junction with the B1263 near Great Smeaton, North Yorkshire, and it is believed no other vehicles were involved.