HELLIFIELD vicar Canon Graham Walker was rushed to Airedale Hospital this week after an allergic reaction to a wasp sting caused him to lose consciousness at the wheel of his car.

To the horror of onlookers, the 65-year-old vicar, who was in the car with his wife, Christine, crashed into tables and chairs outside Ye Old Naked Man Caf in Settle's Market Place.

Luckily, no one was injured in the crash, which happened around 12.30pm on Monday, but Canon Walker had to receive treatment at Airedale for anaphylaxis shock.

Mrs Walker, 61, who was uninjured, told the Herald she had been very shocked by the incident.

She said her husband had never suffered this sort of reaction before and added the doctor who treated Canon Walker had never come across such a case before.

"The young doctor at the hospital said it could have had something to do with him being stung by a wasp three to four weeks ago.

"He didn't have any reaction then apart from the usual swelling and discomfort, but it was thought he had become sensitised and when it then happened for a second time, it caused a drop in blood pressure causing him to lose consciousness."

She added four workmen and a young girl had been standing outside the caf when the incident happened.

"All I can think now is what if there had been children outside or a mother with a pushchair. We were very lucky - everyone was very lucky."

The ambulance was called by a local chemist while the workmen attempted to bring Canon Walker round.

"Everyone was very helpful and we are very grateful to anyone who helped," Mrs Walker added.

Canon Walker, who has been a part of Hellifield life for the past 20 years, is now suffering from a swollen face and was given adrenaline and hydrocortisone treatments at the hospital.

Paul Strickland, the owner of the caf, said: "I'm very thankful no one was injured."

A mountain bike, flower pots and tables and chairs outside the caf were damaged in the incident.