A MOTORCYCLIST died after a crash on the notorious B1257 on the North York Moors last night.

No other vehicles were involved in the crash, which happened at around 8.10pm between Chop Gate and Great Broughton, near Stokesley.

The motorcyclist, a 46-year-old man from Middlesbrough, who was riding a blue and white Suzuki GSXR in the direction of Great Broughton, left the road and collided with a hedge.

Despite the efforts of paramedics, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

He was riding in company with another motorcyclist and pillion passenger who were riding a red Honda.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the collision, including anyone who was travelling along the road in either direction and saw the motorbikes prior to the crash to contact them.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option two and ask for the Major Collision Investigation Team, or email MCIT@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk

The road was closed to allow collision investigators to examine the scene, it reopened at about 2.20am.

The B1257 from Helmsley to Great Broughton is one of North Yorkshire's worst roads for motorcycle deaths and casualties. 

Dubbed the Helmsley TT by some motorcyclists, it forms part of a popular bikers' circuit through the county. 
Police say while most of the road is national speed limit, there are a lot of hazards some riders are not aware of, including junctions, adverse camber, wild animals such as deer and pheasants, slow-moving agricultural vehicles and slow-moving day-trippers.