An overtaking motorcyclist hit the driver’s side of a 4x4 Mercedes M Class as it drove along the A65 from Gargrave to Skipton.

Police say the motorcyclist – who was lucky not to lose control – was with another biker and was overtaking on the last bend before the Little Chef roundabout.

The machine came into contact with the driver’s side of the silver Mercedes, causing significant damage to both doors, footplate and front wing and smashing the driver’s wing mirror.

“The rider of the motorcycle swerved onto the opposite carriageway and was lucky not to lose control of the bike,” said a police spokesman. “The rider did not stop at the scene.”

Police are appealing for witnesses to the collision, which occurred at 3.30pm on Saturday. Contact PC Rob Hutchinson at Skipton Police Police Station on 101, quoting incident reference 12130054444.