A DRIVER was cut free from a car by firefighters and taken to hospital after the vehicle crashed into a tree in a village near Tadcaster this morning.

Two fire crews were called to the single vehicle collision on the B1223 at Ulleskelf at about 3.45am.

They removed the roof of the Seat car to free the female driver, aged in her 50s, the fire service said. It added that she was taken to York Hospital with neck, leg and possible internal injuries.

North Yorkshire Police said it is believed she may have taken ill at the wheel before the crash.

Witnesses are asked to call North Yorkshire Police on 101.