THREE people were still recovering in hospital today after a multi-vehicle pile-up that brought chaos to the A19.

Eight cars and a road tanker were involved in an accident that brought both sides of the busy dual carriageway to a complete standstill.

North Yorkshire County Council's emergency risk management team swung into action and opened a rest centre for people involved in the pile-up.

And police have launched an inquiry into the cause and are now appealing for any witnesses to come forward.

The accident happened on Sunday night by the Silton crossroads of the A19, about four miles north of Thirsk.

A tanker travelling north crossed the central reservation and overturned onto the south-bound carriageway where it struck a car, trapping the driver. A number of other cars then piled into the wreckage.

Education, social services, county catering were involved in the opening of the emergency rest centre at the Allertonshire School, Northallerton, with the help of Hambleton District Council.

The centre dealt with about 25 people involved in the incident. They were taken there after being discharged following treatment at Northallerton's Friarage Hospital.

People who didn't receive hospital treatment, but whose vehicles were wrecked as a result of the crash also went to the centre. They were given refreshments while police took statements about the crash which happened at about 8.30pm.

Robin Myshrall, head of emergency risk management, said: "With everyone's co-operation we were able to open the centre and provide a safe, warm and comfortable environment plus refreshments for anyone involved in the crash. We closed the centre at about 2.30am.

"It was good to see the close co-operation which exists between the various bodies swinging into action and providing a valuable resource during an emergency situation. We always work very closely with the police, fire and ambulance services."

The road was finally re-opened to traffic yesterday morning although a 50mph speed limit remained in force in the area of the crossroads.

Any witnesses to the accident are asked to contact police on (01609) 783131.