A HEAD-on collision between cars left two people needing hospital treatment and caused chaos to a busy Worcestershire road today.

The accident on the A449 Worcester-Kidderminster road at Hartlebury left morning rush-hour motorists facing long delays.

The accident involving a blue Rover 214 and a grey Renault Megane happened on the dual carriageway near the Esso petrol station at 6.06am.

PC Neil Jarvis, of Kidderminster police, said it was believed that the Rover crossed the central reservation before the collision on the Kidderminster-bound carriageway.

The Kidderminster-bound carriageway was closed for two hours following the collision 600 yards from the Old Worcester Road.

"The Rover was travelling towards Worcester and the Renault was coming in the opposite direction and it was a nasty accident. We had to close the carriageway while the vehicles were recovered," said PC Jarvis.

The diver of the Rover was James Blair, from Stourbridge, while the Renault Megane was being driven by Keith Knowles, of Dudley.

Firefighter Wayne Berry, of Kidderminster fire station, who attended the scene, said the Rover had careered through a hedge, while the other vehicle was left stranded on the carriageway. Both cars were very badly damaged, he added.

"It is hard to say exactly what happened," he said. "The driver of the one car was still conscious and talking, but had head injuries and he was taken to hospital.

''His car was very badly damaged. The other driver got out of his car, but was in shock."

An ambulance spokesman said both drivers had been taken to Kidderminster General Hospital.

Police are appealing for any witnesses to the accident to come forward. Anyone with information should contact PC Andrew Saunders, at Kidderminster police, on 01562 820888.

6 A man had to be released by fire crews after his van careered through a hedge at Leominster late last night.

The accident happened on the A49 a mile-and-a-half outside Leominster near the Brierley turning. The driver was taken to Hereford General Hospital.