POLICE are hunting a hit-and-run driver who knocked down a binman who was collecting rubbish in a North Yorkshire town.

The refuse worker escaped serious injury but was left badly shaken by the incident in Easingwold.

He had been on his rounds in the town's Market Place at about 10am on Wednesday when he was hit by a white Vauxhall Nova and knocked to the ground.

"The driver of the car did not stop but sped off, and police are now anxious to trace the car and the driver," said a police spokeswoman.

The Nova, which may have had a red stripe on it, suffered damage to its roof as it hit the open cab door of the bin lorry.

A spokesman for Hambleton District Council said: "We are leaving this matter in the hands of the police. Fortunately, the man was uninjured."

Anyone with information should call Easingwold police on 01609 783131.

Updated: 11:19 Friday, February 01, 2002