A THREE-year-old boy was fighting for his life in hospital today after a bank holiday hit-and-run collision in North Yorkshire.

The child was taken to hospital by air ambulance after the collision on the A645 at Drax.

Police later named the three-year-old as Callum Keith MacDonald, from Selby.

They said he was gravely ill in Hull Royal Infirmary today.

Sergeant John Suchomski, of York Police, said a silver Vauxhall Vectra and a silver Ford Fiesta were travelling towards Drax on the Drax to Airmyn road when the incident happened at about 10am yesterday.

Sgt Suchomski said the cars were overtaken by a dark green Renault Scenic, which crossed into the opposing carriageway to overtake.

He said the Renault drove into the path of a silver Peugeot travelling towards Airmyn.

The Peugeot flashed its headlights before taking evasive action to avoid a collision with the Renault.

The Peugeot then hit the nearside kerb and lost control before colliding with the Vauxhall Vectra.

Callum was travelling in the Peugeot, and suffered critical injuries in the accident. He was airlifted to Hull Royal Infirmary for treatment.

An occupant of the Vectra suffered minor injuries.

Sergeant Suchomski said the driver of the dark green Renault Scenic failed to stop at the scene of the incident.

Fire and ambulance crews were called to help clear the area.

The road was closed until around 3pm.

Police are now anxious to speak with any witnesses. Anyone with information should phone York Police on 01904 631321.

Updated: 14:12 Tuesday, April 22, 2003