A man is in hospital with serious injuries after a smash which led to a six-hour road closure and the air ambulance being scrambled.

The 58-year-old was taken to hospital by helicopter with suspected spinal injuries following the accident which involved two cars on Saturday morning.

Police investigations meant the busy A59 was closed for six hours – from 9am until 3pm – between Skipton and Harrogate from the Bolton Abbey Roundabout to Kex Gill.

The man, from Silsden, was driving a blue Volkswagen Bora and freed by firefighters using hydraulic cutting equipment before he was taken to Leeds General Infirmary.

The man, who has not be named by police, was travelling from Skipton towards Harrogate when his car collided with a black Ford C-Max people carrier heading in the opposite direction at around 8.30am.

North Yorkshire Police said his injuries were serious and he remains in hospital.

Traffic Sergeant Andrew Morton, from North Yorkshire Police Force’s Roads Policing Group, said: “If you were in the area of the A59 at the time of the collision, I urge you to contact the police straight away.

“You may have vital information which could help this investigation.

“I am also keen to speak to anyone who may have seen either of the vehicles prior to the incident and ask them to get in touch as soon as possible.”

Two women and a boy from Harrogate were in the C-Max and were taken to Harrogate District Hospital with non life-threatening injuries.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said the adult passenger of the Ford had to be cut free from the wreckage and suffered suspected spinal injuries.

Anyone who can help should call Harrogate police on 101, select option two and ask for Chris Dundon.

Witnesses can also email chris.dundon@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk, quoting reference number 12140029210.