POLICE are appealing for witnesses after an elderly woman was seriously hurt in a two-car collision on the outskirts of Northallerton.

The 81-year-old was driving a silver Toyota Yaris that collided with a blue Subaru Impreza on the B6271 Yafforth Road, near the entrance to B&Q.

The incident happened at 3.50pm on Saturday, January 4, and the woman was taken to James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, where she remains in a stable condition.

Police are particularly keen to trace the driver of a white van which was seen in the area at the time and say the road was closed for about five hours following the collision.

Traffic Sergeant Steve Beckwith said: “I need to trace the driver of the white van which was in the area at the time of the collision, as I believe that they may have vital information that could help my investigation.

“If you witnessed the collision or saw either of the vehicles prior to the incident, I urge you to contact the police straight away.”

Contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option two and ask for Steve Beckwith or Chris Garbutt.