POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a ten year old boy was allegedly approached by a van driver in Threshfield.

The boy was walking through the village near to the Old Hall pub at just after 6pm last Thursday (May 10) when a man in a van - described by the boy as 'old and rusty' - pulled up next to him.

Police say the man offered the boy a sweet and a lift home, but the boy refused and ran home where he told his parents.

The van drove off in the direction of Skipton.

Police are asking for anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who saw a rusty white van in Threshfield on the evening of May 10 to contact them.

Officers have also praised the actions of the boy, saying he did exactly the right thing by refusing to engage with the man, and running away.

A spokesperson said: "These incidents are rare, however, parents are advised to reiterate stranger danger advice to their children - never go anywhere with a stranger, never take things from a stranger, never get in a car with a stranger

and never go off on your own."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the police on the non emergency 101 number and pass information to the force control room, or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Quote reference 12180083228.