A woman died and two others were seriously injured in a two-car crash at a remote country crossroads.

They were travelling in a grey Ford Fiesta which collided with a black Isuzu Trooper at the Thornton Watlass crossroads, on the B6268 Bedale to Masham road, at about 6.50pm on Monday. The driver of the Isuzu was unhurt.

The three young women in the Fiesta were trapped and had to be freed from the wreckage.

The two injured were taken to the Friarage Hospital, Northallerton. One was in a critical condition and was later transferred to hospital in Middlesbrough.

Police are waiting until all relatives have been informed before releasing their names.

Meanwhile, officers are trying to establish the cause of the accident and appealed last night for witnesses to contact them, on (01723) 509555.