A MOTORCYCLIST died in a crash near Ripon on Wednesday.

The crash, which involved a silver Honda motorbike, a white Ford Transit and a blue Vauxhall Vectra, happened on the road between Ripon and North Stainley near Lightwater Valley, at about 3.55pm.

The 68-year-old motorcyclist, a man from Thirsk, and the van were travelling towards Ripon when the collision happened. The Vectra was travelling in the opposite direction.

The motorcyclist died at the scene, and the driver of the Vectra, a woman in her 40s, was taken to Harrogate District Hospital with minor injuries.

Anyone who saw the crash, or any of the vehicles prior to the incident should phone North Yorkshire Police on 101 or email mcit@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk