A MOTORIST died after his car collided with a van yesterday.

John Taylor had to be cut free from his car by firefighters, and was taken by ambulance to the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton.

But the 64-year-old, of South Parade, Northallerton, was pronounced dead in hospital.

He had been driving a blue Fiat Cinquecento when it collided with a white Vauxhall box van on the A167, two miles south of Northallerton.

Van driver Ronald Sidney, 48, of North Lodge Terrace, Darlington, was treated for shock, but was uninjured.

The road was blocked for about two hours after the crash and police are appealing for witnesses to contact them on (01609) 789212.