A GLIDER pilot had a narrow escape when he lost height near the A19 and was forced to land in a field.

Andy Parish had set off from the Yorkshire Gliding Club, at Sutton Bank, near Thirsk, and had travelled to Carlton Bank.

But on his way back he lost height and was unable to recover. He landed in a field just off the northbound A19, in between Osmotherley and Ingleby Arncliffe, near Northallerton.

One lane of the road was closed for more than an hour while North Yorkshire Police and the Highways Agency helped Mr Parish get his glider on a trailer and off the site.

Mr Parish said: "We had a little trip from the Yorkshire Gliding Club to Carlton Bank. We were on our way back when we found ourselves a little short of height. We were a little bit low and unable to find another thermal.

"We landed perfectly normally by the side of the A19. The only issue was the only access to the field was via the A19 so the Highways Agency coned off a lane while we backed our trailer into the field. We would like to thank the Highways Agency for their help."

A spokesperson from the Highways Agency said: "North Yorkshire Police contacted the Highways Agency to ask for assistance in closing one lane while they recovered the glider.

"It was North Yorkshire Police that dealt with it mainly. We just closed the lane from 12.55 to 2pm."