THE driver of a tractor in collision with a pick-up truck on the Aire valley trunk road was taken to Airedale Hospital with serious injuries.

He is understood to have been thrown from the driving seat in the crash which pushed his tractor and trailer off the carriageway and into a ditch.

Keighley police say the collision between the tractor -- which was pulling a trailer -- and a white Mitsubishi pick-up happened at 8.30am on Tuesday.

"The driver of the tractor, believed to be in his 60s, suffered serious injuries and was taken to Airedale General Hospital," said a police spokeswoman.

"The driver of the pick-up truck, a man, was slightly injured."

The tractor driver was later transferred to Leeds General Infirmary.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the collision, which resulted in the Keighley to Steeton section of the A650 being closed for several hours.

The pick-up blocked part of both carriageways and traffic was diverted along the minor road between Keighley and Steeton. The road was re-opened at 1pm.

Anyone who witnessed the accident or who saw the vehicles prior to the crash should telephone Keighley police on 01535 617059.s