AN APPLEBY pensioner was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries following a three vehicle collision yesterday (Saturday).

The 79-year-old, who was driving an Audi A3, was slowing down as a gold Nissan Note was waiting to turn right into the Llama Karma Kafé on the eastbound carriageway of the A66 near Penrith.

A large goods vehicle, also travelling eastbound, collided into the back of the Audi, pushing it forward into the back of the Nissan, which was pushed across the road into a field, said police.

The incident happened around 12pm. 

Fire, police and ambulance attended along with an air ambulance.

The woman was airlifted to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle.

Police have not released any more information regarding her injuries.

The driver of the goods vehicle, a man aged 49 from Barnsley and the occupants of the Nissan, a man and woman from Edinburgh, escaped unhurt.

The road was closed for a couple of hours to allow emergency services to deal with the scene.

Any witnesses are asked to contact PC1771 Kidd at the Operational Support Unit on 101.