A FEMALE driver was killed when her car went out of control and collided head-on with a tree.

The 20-year-old was declared dead at the scene of the incident, at Carrholme Bridge, between Tollerton and Alne, close to Easingwold, in North Yorkshire.

The driver's black Vauxhall Corsa was the only vehicle involved in the incident, which took place at about 7.15am today.

It is believed the Corsa was carrying five passengers, as well as the driver.

Five ambulances were sent to the scene of the crash, as well as an air ambulance, although it was not needed to transport any of the injured people to hospital.

Five people were taken to York District Hospital by land ambulance.

Inspector Simon Lovell, of North Yorkshire Police, said: "The Corsa was being driven towards Alne, approximately three-quarters of a mile from Tollerton.

"The vehicle has attempted to negotiate a right-hand bend, and the driver has lost control of the vehicle and collided head-on with a tree.

"As a result of the collision, the driver, a 20-year-old female, was declared deceased at the scene.

"The other occupants of the vehicle were injured, and taken to hospital.

"None of the other injuries were believed to be life-threatening.

"We believe the vehicle was travelling from Huby, near York, via Tollerton, to the accident scene."

Fire crews from Easingwold and Acomb also attended the incident.

A spokeswoman for Yorkshire Ambulance Service said: "We were called out at about 7.30am to reports of an incident involving six patients.

"We sent five ambulances and a rapid response vehicle, as well as a clinical team and an emergency care practitioner.

"A helicopter was mobilised from the North West Air Ambulance, in Carlisle, but this was later stood down."

It is not known why an air ambulance from Cumbria was mobilised, rather than one from the North-East or North Yorkshire.

Police say the road remained closed until about 2pm.

Officers have not released any more information about the dead woman.

Witnesses are asked to call Sergeant Richard Parsons, who is leading the investigation into the crash, on 0845-60-60-247.