A MAJOR road near York has been closed today after a van driver was airlifted to hospital following a collision with a lorry.

The smash happened at about 9.25am today on the A19 between Thirsk and Northallerton near the Borrowby junction with Gate Lane Bridge.

Police said the northbound carriageway was expected to remain closed for several hours while the scene was investigated and the vehicles recovered.

The male driver of the white van was cut from his vehicle by firefighters before being airlifted to James Cook Hospital, in Teeside, with serious head injuries.

The driver of the 16 tonne HGV is not believed to be injured. Witnesses are asked to phone PC Roger Walker on 0845 6060247.