The A59 has been reopened between Skipton and Harrogate after a vital maintenance contract was completed almost a week ahead of schedule.

The road was closed last Monday for essential highways works and to investigate ways of reducing the likelihood of future landslips at Blubberhouses.

The closure was expected to last two weeks, but the work was completed in six working days.

Landslips in the area have resulted in emergency closures of the A59 in the past, resulting in significant delays and congestion on the surrounding road network.

County Coun John Fort, executive member for highways, said: "This was essential work, not only to keep the road in prime condition for traffic but also to try to avoid future closures as a result of landslips.

"It is a tribute to North Yorkshire County Council's highways department and their contractors that this vital work was completed well ahead of schedule.

"We strive always to keep traffic disruption to an absolute minimum, and to carry out such an extensive piece of work in little over half the scheduled time demonstrates our commitment to doing all we can to keep North Yorkshire on the move."