MEMBERS of gang who conspired to sell class A drugs in North Yorkshire have been jailed for almost 20 years.

The gang was brought to justice following an extensive investigation that lasted more than three years and saw North Yorkshire Police work closely with officers in Manchester, where the gang was from.

They pieced together a web of evidence, including complicated mobile phone information, to build up a picture of how the organised crime group operated to sell their drugs in Scarborough.

Five members of the gang were sentenced at York Crown Court for their roles. Four pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class A drugs, namely cocaine, and one admitted being concerned in their supply.

Jack Ashcroft, 28, was jailed for six years, three months for conspiracy to supply; Blaise Woolfe, 25, was given four-and-a-half years for being concerned in the supply; Ashley Farnell, 22, was given jailed for three years, four months for conspiracy to supply.

Also jailed for conspiracy to supply was Drew McCormick, 20, who was given two-and-a-half years, and Jamie McKenna, 19, who was sentenced to 18 months.

Two other men - Sonny Elms, 24, and Paul Heaton, 26 - were convicted of conspiracy to supply.

They did not attend court and warrants have been issued for their arrest.