TWO horses had to be put down after a car ploughed into a brick-built stable.

Three fire crews had to remove the roof of a Nissan Qashqai to free an injured woman at the scene in Salters Lane, Trimdon Grange, at about 11.30am on Sunday.

The 28-year-old, from Bishop Auckland, was taken by ambulance to James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough.

A special rescue unit was also in attendance to see to the two horses, which were put down by a vet.

The male driver, also of Bishop Auckland, escaped with minor cuts and bruises.