AN 81-year-old man was freed from the wreckage of a three-car collision last Tuesday, December 23.

He was extricated by firefighters, under the supervision of paramedics, before being taken to Airedale Hospital, Steeton, by road ambulance.

Two other pensioners were also treated for minor injuries.

The crash involved a Land Rover Discovery, a Peugeot 107 and a Ford Fusion and occurred at about 4.40pm on the A65 near Settle Junction.

There was heavy rain at the time and the road was subsequently closed between Cleatop roundabout and Long Preston while the gutters were cleared and the floodwater receded.