THE pilot of a light aircraft escaped with minor injuries after crashing into a field at Eldroth, near Settle, earlier today.

Police, fire, ambulance and an air ambulance attended after the aircraft made an emergency landing. The aircraft flipped over as it landed, but the pilot escaped with just minor injuries.

A spokesperson for Bentham Fire Station said: "Bentham, along with Barnoldswick, Grassington Fire Station and Ripon Fire Station were sent to a report of a light aircraft that had crash landed in a field near Eldroth.

Bentham arrived alongside police and ambulance then proceeded on foot to the crash site. Meanwhile, the air ambulance landed, and were able to assess the pilot. Thankfully, the single occupant was safe and well with light injuries. Further fire service assistance was turned back to their respective areas."

A spokesperson for Yorkshire Ambulance Service said: "We received an emergency call at 11.54am on Friday to report an incident involving a light aircraft (believed to be a microlight) in the Eldroth area.  An ambulance, air ambulance and team leader were dispatched to the scene and one patient was taken by road to Airedale Hospital."