A seriously injured driver has been cut free from his car after a crash in Aberdeenshire.

The 17-year-old's Vauxhall Corsa collided with an SSE van on the A947 near Fyvie at 7am on Thursday.

He was flown to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary by helicopter, while the 27-year-old man who was driving the van was taken by road.

Both are being treated for serious injuries.

The A947 was blocked in both directions for several hours following the crash, however.

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman said: "We received a call at 7.20am and we sent two appliances from Turriff and Inverurie.

"There were two vehicles involved. One casualty self-rescued and the second was trapped in their vehicle. We used hydraulic cutting gear to free them."

Sergeant Rob Warnock, said: "Inquiries into the circumstances of the incident are at an early stage and I am appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident or saw either the black Vauxhall Corsa or blue Toyota Hilux crew cab prior to the incident to contact police.

"In particular we would like to speak to the driver of a blue BMW vehicle which had been travelling southwards at the time of the collision.

"This vehicle was seen overtaking just prior to Fyvie.

"The occupant(s) may have information which could help the investigation and I would appeal for them or anyone who saw this vehicle to contact us.

"I would also ask anyone who has any information which would assist our investigation to contact Police Scotland on 101."