MUCH-LOVED York actor Martin Barrass is in intensive care following a motorcycle crash.

Martin, who lives in York and has been a fixture of the Theatre Royal's pantomime for decades, was airlifted to hospital after the crash, which took place at about 3pm on Saturday.

He is currently in the intensive care unit at Leeds General Infirmary, and has suffered serious internal injuries.

Liz Wilson, chief executive of York Theatre Royal, said: "Martin is much loved at York Theatre Royal and we are thinking of him and his family at this difficult time. We are willing him to stay strong and hope that his condition improves following further treatment."

Berwick Kaler, who has worked with Martin throughout all the Theatre Royal pantomimes, said he was "gutted" to have heard about his friend's condition.

He said: "I think we will know more either today or tomorrow. His son and daughter are with him and a few close friends. They won't let anyone else in, noone from the theatre has seen him. He's not conscious and they are keeping him like that to get him strong enough to have an operation.

"No-one's thinking about the panto or anything like that, we've all just got our fingers crossed and are praying for him to pull through. It's only a bloody pantomime for God's sake, we just want him to pull through. He's so much a part of my life, we have a Morecambe and Wise relationship, without all the talent. We're so close the way we work, and I can't believe it's all in jeopardy. The main thing is he survives and pulls through."

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said the crash took place in Newbridge Lane, Halton East, Skipton, and investigations were ongoing.