FIVE people, including three children, were taken to hospital after a smash between a van and a pick-up.

Although two of the youngsters were quickly discharged two adult men were described by medics as being in a serious condition.

Police are now appealing for witnesses to the incident, which happened at about 6.30pm yesterday, Thursday, on the B1257 by Sproxton, near Helmsley.

The crash happened near the bottom of Sproxton bank and involved a white Mercedes Sprinter van and a black Mitsubishi L200 pick-up.

The driver of the Mitsubishi, a man in his thirties from the Helmsley area was taken to James Cook Hospital in Middlesbrough with serious injuries and remains in a serious condition.

Three children also travelling in the Mitsubishi were taken to York Hospital. Two have since been discharged and one remains in hospital following treatment for a broken arm.

The driver of the Mercedes, a man in his forties from the County Durham area, was taken to York Hospital where he is in a serious condition.

Anyone with any information should contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option two and ask for Traffic Constable Steve Wood or email steven.wood161@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk