A MOTORCYCLIST is fighting for his life after a crash with a car.

Peter Buckley, of Moorland Drive, Brierfield, was in a critical but stable condition after coming off his bike on the A59, in East Marton, near Skipton.

He was airlifted to Airedale General Hospital and then transferred to Leeds General Infirmary.

Today, his next-door neighbour Ken Buffey, said neighbours were baffled as to his sudden disappearance after Sunday's accident.

The 61-year-old who lives with his wife, Sheila, last year built a garden wall with Mr Buckley, who lives alone and is believed to be in his 40s.

Mr Buckley said: "I heard him go out on the bike on Sunday and in the afternoon the police came round.

"He used to live with his parents but, sadly, over the last few years they have died and I believe he used to have a sister, who also died.

"He has had a rough time.

"He loves his bikes and they are his biggest passion.

"He has about four or five of them and whenever it's nice, given half a chance, he always goes out on them.

"We have not heard anything since and all the neighbours are wondering what is happening and showing a lot of concern.

"Let's hope he pulls through."

Mr Buckley's black Norton motor cycle, which was travelling towards Skipton, was in collision with a red Saab 9000 outside the Cross Keys pub at 1.20pm on Sunday.

The driver of the Saab, John Stannard, 59, from Fleetwood suffered head injuries.

He had to be cut free from the car by firefighters and was also airlifted to hospital.

Passengers Michael Brown, 60, Louis Brown, 67 and Rebecca Holmes, 12, all of Blackpool, suffered minor injuries.