A driver and her 89-year-old passenger managed to escape from a Land Rover which crashed through a stone wall into the Chelker Reservoir.

The black Land Rover Defender is believed to have ended up on its side in the water after it left the A65 and ploughed through the drystone wall into the Yorkshire Water reservoir at around 1.20pm on Tuesday.

The 89-year-old suffered head injuries and was airlifted to Leeds General Infirmary where she remained yesterday. Police said her injuries were serious but not life-threatening.

The 50-year-old driver was uninjured.

The damaged Land Rover was winched from the water.

North Yorkshire Police closed the road until 5.15pm while they investigated the cause of the incident.

Traffic Sergeant Pete Stringer said: “I am appealing to anyone who witnessed the collision to get in touch with the police as soon as possible. You may have information which is vital to the investigation.

“I would also like to hear from anyone who saw the vehicle travelling from Skipton towards Addingham prior to the collision occurring.

“This was a frightening experience for the occupants of the Land Rover and I would like to thank the members of the public who helped them and the police at the scene.”

Anyone who can help is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 – select option 2 – and ask for Craven Roads Policing Group.

Callers are asked to quote reference number 1212007707 when calling with information about this incident.