Two Ryedale men who were victims of horror road accidents earlier this year are successfully rebuilding their lives.

Ampleforth College teacher Matthew Torrens-Burton, who suffered serious head injuries in an accident while cycling on a country lane between Ampleforth and Wass in April, is returning to the college this week.

A statement issued by the college said "he is making a good recovery."

Mr Torrens-Burton is going back to the college on a part-time basis as he further builds up his strength, said the college.

He was found at the side of the road but the cause of the accident has remained a mystery say police.

His family say a heavy-duty rock-climbing helmet he was wearing at the time undoubtedly saved his life.

Lorry driver Mick Harper, who was airlifted to hospital after his vehicle plunged 50 feet down the steep embankment at the Hole of Horcum on the North Yorkshire Moors nearly a year ago, says he is hopeful of getting back behind the wheel next year.

Mr Harper, of Beverley Road, Norton, suffered extensive neck, spinal and head injuries as well as a broken leg and arm in the accident at the famous beauty spot.

He has been able to go back to his hobby of gardening: "I never expected to be growing tomatoes and cucumbers in my greenhouse or planting up my allotment this year, but I have done."

Mr Harper says that while he has been back to the scene of the early morning crash he can remember nothing of it except braking to avoid hitting four deer.

"I braked but I lost the lorry. I was knocked unconscious before I hit the bottom of the Hole" he said.

"I'm told I had to be revived three times by doctors and medics. A lot of people can't believe how I survived".

Now Mr Harper is having therapy treatment twice a week at Malton Hospital.

The major rescue after the crash saw Mr Harper airlifted by a Sea King rescue helicopter to Middlesbrough General Hospital after the alarm was raised by a passing postman.