TWO people are in hospital after a school minibus and a car crashed in Aberdeenshire.

Emergency services were called to the crash near Alford on the A944, at around 3.05pm on Thursday afternoon.

The Scottish Ambulance Service confirmed that two people have been transferred to the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.

Drivers have been asked to avoid the area as the A944 has been closed in both directions between Alford and Whitehouse.

Aberdeenshire Council said: “We are aware of a collision involving a school transport service this afternoon on the A944," adding: “Pupils are safe."