Leeds Carnegie rugby player James Tincknell in recovery

Tincknell was badly hurt in a crash on the A66

A rugby player badly injured in a car accident has been moved from intensive care.

Leeds Carnegie centre James Tincknell, 22, had been treated at Middlesbrough's James Cook University Hospital following the accident on the A66 near the Cumbria-Durham border.

In a statement, the club said both it and Mr Tincknell's family wanted to thank staff for their support.

The club's doctor Jon Greenwell said the player faced a long recovery.

The statement said: "On behalf of everyone at Leeds Carnegie and the Tincknell family, we would like to thank the staff at James Cook University Hospital for their support of James throughout the last few weeks.

"We would also like to thank all the many well-wishers from clubs across the country who have sent their best wishes and prayers for James' safe recovery."

Leeds club doctor Jon Greenwell added: "Having spoken to James at the weekend, he is in good spirits and very grateful to everyone for their support.

"There is still a long road to recovery for James, but we will be giving him all our backing."