A MOTORCYCLIST was killed on a notorious stretch of road on Thursday evening.

The male rider of a black motorcycle was in collision with a Peugeot car on the B1257 road between Stokesley and Helmsley in North Yorkshire.

The collision, which took place close to the junction for Rievaulx Abbey, occurred around 5pm.

The road, which is a popular route for motorcyclists, was closed for several hours to allow an investigation to be carried out and local diversions were set up.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said it was believed the rider had been heading in the direction of Stokesley when the accident happened.

The driver of the Peugeot is said to be helping police with their enquiries.

Witnesses who saw the accident or the vehicles prior to it are asked to contact Traffic Constable 1161 Rees via 0845-6060247.