THE A19 in North Yorkshire was reopened early today after being closed in both directions for several hours when it was feared highly-flammable chemicals had leaked from a tanker.

Specialist firefighters were called to the incident, at the Woodside Caf car park, South Kilvington, just north of Thirsk.

But after inspecting the tanker, using protective suits and breathing apparatus, firefighters found no chemical fluid had leaked out.

The road was reopened at about 4am today.

The tanker was carrying hydrocarbon lights, a substance used for flavouring in foodstuffs and said by firefighters to be highly flammable.

Closing the A19 caused rush-hour traffic problems last night, with queues building up in both directions as drivers waited to use diversions along the A684 and A168.

Station Officer Cecil Pugh said: "The tanker driver heard a noise and pulled over at the nearest safe place.

"He found the tanker's relief valve had blown and some gas had escaped.

"No one was hurt, we were at the scene as a precautionary measure."

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said a 200-metre cordon was put around the scene as a precaution after yesterday's incident, which began at about 4.45pm.

The spokesman added: "There was a fair bit of congestion, which lasted until about 8pm."

Several fire engines were called to the incident, including a water bowser, used to keep the hydrocarbon lights cool.

Updated: 11:00 Thursday, September 11, 2003