A MAN was fighting for his life today after his car spun out of control and smashed into a tree on a country road near York.

The 22-year-old, from Pocklington, was trapped in his Nissan Primera car for more than 30 minutes after its back end came to rest four feet up a tree beside Elvington Lane, close to the Rolawn headquarters on the fringes of Elvington.

Fire crews released the driver from his vehicle, and he was taken by ambulance to York Hospital suffering from serious head injuries.

Traffic Constable Steve Earnshaw told the Evening Press the accident had been reported by the driver of a car travelling in front of the Primera.

He was unhurt, but shocked.

TC Earnshaw said the crash driver had been travelling from York towards Elvington when his car went out of control at a bend in the road, ending up going onto the wrong side of the carriageway and smashing into trees.

"The car was left four feet off the ground, half-way up a tree," he said.

Drivers were being turned around by emergency crews and were taking diversions along Hull Road during today's morning rush hour.

TC Earnshaw said the road was likely to remain closed for between four and six hours, following the accident shortly after 6am today.

Anyone who witnessed the accident should contact Traffic Constable Tony Smalley on 01904 631321.

Updated: 11:17 Thursday, January 16, 2003