A PENSIONER is seriously ill in hospital after a motorcycle smash on the North York Moors at the weekend.

The 73-year-old was riding a powerful BMW 1100 RT when it left the tarmac and hit the verge on the road between Hutton-le-Hole and Castleton.

Two cars, a silver Ford Fusion and a blue-green Fiat Punto, were involved in the incident, although at this stage there is nothing to suggest any contact between any of the vehicles.

Police are now trying to trace two men who stopped at the scene and helped to lift the pensioner's blue bike but then carried on with their journey.

The bike rider, a local man, suffered serious head and chest injuries and was airlifted to the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough where his condition was said to be serious but stable.

The smash happened about one-and-a-half miles north of the Farndale junction towards Blakey Ridge at about 6pm on Saturday.

Investigating officer TC Richard Hammon said: "It's very important that we trace any witnesses to the collision, in particular the two good Samaritans who stopped to help at the scene prior to the police's arrival.

"The route is popular with bikers and tourists and we appeal to anyone who was in the area on Saturday evening and either witnessed the collision or saw the vehicles prior to the incident, to please contact us."

Anyone with information is asked to contact TC Hammond on 0845-6060247.