A LORRY has crashed into a ditch ouside Barlow, causing heavy traffic and diversions throughout the afternoon.

The Scania R420 was heading towards Eggborough on Selby on the A1041 at about 2.25pm, when it left the road and came to rest in a ditch, with the cab propped against a tree.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said the driver of the lorry was not hurt in the incident, but the road was likely to be closed until 7pm while the vehicle is recovered.

The spokesman said recovery of the vehicle would be difficult due to the size of the lorry, which required a crane to lift it, and the proximity of overhead power lines.

Motorists are being diverted through Barlow, while HGV drivers are being diverted along the A63 Selby bypass, up the A19 towards Eggborough, then towards the A645 at Snaith.