POLICE are trying to trace the driver of a grey saloon car which may have hit and knocked down an elderly man on Skipton's High Street today (Friday).

The man was treated by paramedics on the road for more than 30 minutes before being taken to hospital.

The incident happened just before 2.30pm when the HIgh Street was thronged by shoppers. The road was closed to traffic for more than an hour.

A police spokesman said: "An elderly pedestrian was in collision with a car, which has not stopped. His injuries are thought to be serious but not life-threatening."

A bystander, who asked not to be named, said he heard a 'clatter' but did not see what had happened.