THE A59 has reopened following a serious accident earlier this morning between two cars close to the entrance of Skipton Golf Club.

THE A59 between Grassington Road roundabout and Skibeden was closed both ways at just after 10am today (Thursday) and remained closed for six hours, until just after 4pm.

A police spokesperson said: "A serious collision was reported to police at 10.03am outside of Skipton Golf course on Short Lee Lane which involved two vehicles, a grey BMW X1 and a grey Mazda 3. Fire and Ambulance services are also in attendance.

"The Highways Agency have been requested to close A65 and the B6265 at Grassington, the A65 and A6131 junction and the A65 and A59 roundabout to allow emergency services and the Collision Investigation Unit to attend."

Roads in and around Skipton town centre were subjected to congestion as a result of the closure, and motorists were advised to take alternative routes.