VILLAGERS rushed to the aid of an elderly churchgoer critically injured by a reversing car at the weekend.

The man in his 70s was airlifted to hospital following the collision in West Witton, near Leyburn, North Yorkshire, which occurred at about 12pm on Sunday.

The accident happened outside the Fox and Hounds pub.

The man, who lives in a nearby village, was hit by a white Toyota Land Cruiser.

One witness said the collision occurred when the vehicle was reversing and the pensioner was walking across the road towards the pub car park.

It is understood he had earlier been attending a Penhill Benefice service at the village's St Bartholomew's Church.

Pip Land, who also attended the service, praised the efforts of villagers who came to the man's aid in torrential weather conditions.

She said the man was treated by a nurse who was in the village at the time, while other residents held umbrellas to keep the rain off.

Other villagers then arrived with a large sheet of tarpaulin to keep the man and emergency workers dry.

Ms Land said: "They were absolutely fantastic and they used great initiative. The whole community did wonderfully well."

She added: "Among those who stayed with the man until he was taken to hospital was the Reverend Lynn Purvis-Lee. She then went to James Cook Hospital to see how he was."

Witnesses said it took around 30 minutes for the road ambulance to arrive. An air ambulance then took the man to James Cook Hospital in Middlesbrough.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance confirmed it was called to a road traffic incident in West Witton at 12.02am.

Police have appealed for anyone who witnessed the accident to get in touch.

Officers would particularly like to speak to a a passer-by who was holding an umbrella.

Witnesses should dial 101, press option two and ask to speak to TC Tony Leonard.

Alternatively they can email tony.leonard@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk.

Members of the public should quote reference number 12150059762 when passing on information.