The family of a north-east boy who was seriously injured when he was knocked off his bike were keeping a vigil at his hospital bedside last night.
The 10-year-old was cycling near his home in rural Buchan when he was involved in a collision with a van yesterday afternoon.
The youngster suffered a serious head injury and was airlifted to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
His condition last night was not thought to be life-threatening.
The accident happened at Bridgend Cottages on an unclassified road near Longside, west of Peterhead.
Emergency services were scrambled to the area just after 12.20pm.
The boy, who was knocked unconscious, was checked over by an ambulance crew at the scene, before being taken to hospital by helicopter.
His friends and relatives were close by when the accident happened, and rushed to his aid.
Speaking at the scene, roads policing inspector Ewan Innes said: “The boy was taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary by air ambulance.
“He suffered a head injury, but at this time we have no idea how severe that injury is.”
The 59-year-old driver of the red Renault van was uninjured, but was said to have been badly shaken.
The road around the accident scene was closed off by police for several hours yesterday, while collision investigators tried to determine what went wrong.
Insp Innes said: “It is too early to say how this happened. A full investigation will be carried out.”
Last night, councillor Norman Smith said: “You hate to hear about things like this. These back roads can be very narrow and you have to be extra careful on them.”
He said: “Obviously, my thoughts are with the family of the boy. I hope he makes a good recovery and their lives can get back to normal as soon as possible.”
Neighbours living beside the crash scene declined to speak last night.
Meanwhile, a busy north-east commuter route was blocked due to a crash south of Peterhead yesterday morning.
The two-vehicle accident occurred at around 11.30am on the A90 Longhaven to Boddam road.
A black BMW 325 and a grey Audi SQ5 were involved in the incident and officers were stood down at 2.15pm.
A police spokeswoman said: “The collision was four miles south of Peterhead and the road was blocked due to debris.”
The spokeswoman added that the passengers were believed to be suffering from minor injuries.
Two ambulances were called to the scene of the accident at 11.45am and one casualty was taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary with a back injury.
Two fire appliances were also sent out from Peterhead and assisted by making the scene safe.