Vale of York MP Anne McIntosh has met Roads Minister Lord Whitty and urged him to improve safety on North Yorkshire's roads to prevent further carnage.

Yesterday's meeting at Westminster came in the wake of a further two crashes in the last ten days, which killed eight people and took the death toll on North Yorkshire roads this year to 82.

Six people died on Saturday in an horrific pile-up on the A1, and a lorry driver involved has been arrested and released on bail. Then an elderly couple was killed when their car collided with a stationary van near Helmsley on Monday. The names have not yet been released.

Miss McIntosh said the death rate in the county was "streets ahead" of other areas and that traffic levels in North Yorkshire had grown at more than the national rate.

"This, in turn has led to a high level of injuries and accidents on our roads," said Miss McIntosh.

A remembrance service for the victims of road accidents takes place at Ripon Cathedral on Sunday.

During the one-hour service, which starts at 3pm, candles will be lit for the victims and relatives and friends are being encouraged to bring photographs, flowers or memorabilia which will be placed on the altar steps.