A newly-qualified driver lost control of his car on a bend and collided with a bridge, putting his two passengers into hospital, Skipton magistrates were told today.

William Houghton, 18, of The Oval, Skipton, lost control of his Citroen Saxo which then hit one side of the bridge on the Eastby to Barden road before bouncing off and hitting the other side.

Houghton, who admitted driving without due care and attention on June 7, had passed his test six months earlier and had only had the Citroen for two weeks.

One of his passengers received a broken collar bone, the court was told.

Houghton told the court he was very sorry for what he had done, thought he had been driving at about 50mph and put the accident down to inexperience.

Magistrates told Houghton that they applied discretion and endorsed his licence with five points instead of six, which as a new driver would have meant him having to re-take his test.

But they warned him if he was to get further penalty points in the next two years he would be likely subject to a re-test. He was also fined £230 and ordered to pay victims' surcharge of £23 and costs of £85.