Elderly woman killed in car crash

An elderly woman died when she was hit by a car in County Durham.

Ellen Hendry, 81, was crossing the A690 near her home in Brancepeth Village, on Wednesday afternoon, when she was struck by a Suzuki Swift.

She was pronounced dead at the scene. The 40-year-old driver of the car, from the Weardale area, was treated for shock but he was otherwise unhurt.

The road was closed for two hours and Durham Police have appealed for witnesses to come forward.