POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a head-on collision which left a woman fighting for her life.

The smash happened on the B6265 at Skelton-on-Ure near Ripon at around 1.05pm on Thursday, January 7.

A grey Ford Focus collided with a blue Renault Kangoo van about a quarter of a mile from the A1 underpass towards Skelton-on-Ure.

The passenger of the Focus, a 59-year-old local woman, suffered serious injuries and was taken to Leeds General Infirmary where she is in a critical condition.

The Focus was travelling towards the village from the A1 and the van was travelling in the opposite direction at the time of the collision.

Police would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the manner of driving of either vehicle prior to the collision.

The driver of the van sustained minor injuries and the driver of the Focus was uninjured in the collision.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Traffic Constable Steve Wood on 0845 6060 247.