POLICE are appealing for witnesses following a serious collision yesterday near Hellifield involving a car and a motorcycle.

The collision happened at about 1.35pm on the

A682 at the junction with the B6253, near to the village.

It involved a blue Peugeot 107 which was travelling on the A682 from Gisburn towards Long Preston and a black and silver Honda motorcycle which was travelling in the opposite direction towards Gisburn.

The rider of the motorcycle, a 45-year old man from the Blackburn area, sustained serious injuries and was taken by air ambulance to Leeds General Infirmary where his condition is currently described as stable.

The driver of the car, a 74 year old woman from the Leicestershire area sustained minor injuries and was taken to Airedale General Hospital.

The road was closed following the collision until 7.25pm while police carried out an investigation.

Officers are appealing for any witnesses who may have seen the collision or seen the vehicles in the area at the time of the c to contact them.

The road was busy due to a diversion from the A59 as a result of an earlier incident and it is believed a number of people travelling in both directions may have witnessed the incident.

Any witnesses are asked to call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2 and ask for Andy Morton. You can also email andrew.morton@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk.

Please quote reference number 12170126417 when passing on any information.