TWO people died and a third was treated for shock after a head-on collision on the A162 near Sherburn-in-Elmet.

Jean Walker, 62, from Clifford, near Tadcaster, was driving northbound in a dark blue Ford Escort, and Jason Roberts, 25, from Hambleton, near Selby, was driving a purple Vauxhall Vectra southbound when the cars crashed just north of Barkston Ash yesterday morning.

Both were certified dead at the scene of the accident, which happened at about 9.30am.

Nigel Dove, 25, from Appleton Roebuck, was driving a blue Vauxhall Vectra behind Mr Roberts' vehicle and was also involved in the collision.

He was not injured, despite his vehicle being slightly damaged, but he was treated by paramedics for shock.

Tees East and North Yorkshire Ambulance Service (TENYAS) and the Yorkshire Air Ambulance were called to the scene, along with fire crews who cut one of the drivers from the wreckage.

The road was closed for more than seven hours while police investigators examined the scene and the cars were cleared.

Police are now seeking witnesses to the accident.

A spokesman said: "Police are anxious to speak to anyone who saw the crash or any of the vehicles prior to their collision, particularly the occupants of vehicles believed to have been overtaken by the two Vauxhall cars prior to the incident.

"Witnesses are asked to contact police on 01904 631321 and leave a message for the attention of TC 508 Wilkinson, who is investigating the collision."

Updated: 08:35 Monday, January 21, 2002