A 45-year-old motorist died in a head-on crash between a car and a bus in North Yorkshire, police have confirmed.

The man was driving a red Peugeot 206 towards Thirsk which collided with a green Volvo bus on the A19 near Tollerton, at about 6pm on Wednesday, and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The 52-year-old driver of the bus was trapped in his vehicle and had to be released by North Yorkshire Fire Service, and suffered injuries in the crash which were not believed to be life threatening. He was airlifted to Leeds General Infirmary following the crash.

Traffic Constable Zoe Billings, of North Yorkshire Police’s Major Collision Investigation Team, said: "This collision occurred on a busy stretch of road at a busy time of day and it is possible that a number of people who witnessed the incident have yet to come forward.

"If you did see what happened or saw either the bus or the Peugeot prior to the incident you may have information vital to the investigation and I urge you to get in touch."

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said three passengers on the bus were unhurt in the crash, which closed the road in both directions until just before 2am while investigations took place.

Anyone who saw the crash or either of the vehicles beforehand should contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, or email ken.briggs@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk