TWO van drivers were airlifted to hospital after their vehicles collided in the Yorkshire Dales.

The 52-year-old male driver of a burgundy Citroen Berlingo van who lived locally was today (Monday) in a serious condition at James Cook University Hospital.

A man driving a light blue Ford Transit van was also taken to the Middlesbrough hospital by helicopter, but was later discharged discharged.

Both men had to be cut free from their vehicles by firefighters.

A doctor travelling with the Great North Air Ambulance treated and sedated the Citroen driver at the scene before he was airlifted.

The collision occurred on the A6108, near the bridge over the River Ure between Middleham and Leyburn, at about 10.40am on Monday.

The Ford Transit was travelling towards Middleham and the Citroen was travelling towards Leyburn when the collision occurred.

The road remained closed for several hours while accident investigators worked at the scene and the vehicles were removed.

Police are appealing to anyone who saw either vehicle prior to the collision or witnessed the crash to contact them.

Witnesses should call North Yorkshire Police on 101.