Truck driver cut free after hitting tree in North Canterbury

A truck driver is being flown to hospital by rescue helicopter after hitting a tree in North Canterbury this morning.

The accident happened on State Highway 1 south of Cheviot around 3.40am.

Fire and Emergency southern shift manager Andrew Norris said firefighters had to cut the driver free as he was trapped in the wreckage of the cab.

The driver was airlifted to Christchurch Hospital.