A total of 17 people have been taken to hospital in a fleet of ambulances after two trams collided in north Wales.

The incident occurred on the upper section of the Great Orme Tramway, near Llandudno.

The passengers involved suffered from minor injuries - mainly cuts, bruises and whiplash.

There were about 40 people in each tram at the time of the head-on collision.

Speaking from Llandudno Hospital, where she was treated for a bump to the head, Betty Collins, 69, said she heard an "almighty bang" as the trams collided.

Inquiry

Mrs Collins, who was visiting Great Orme with her husband Les and her grandchildren, said: "The first thing I heard was this almighty bang. I hit my head on the upright bar behind."

The crash happened two thirds up the headland where there is a loop to let the trams pass one another.

A points problem is believed to have caused the accident and the Health and Safety Executive have been called in to conduct an inquiry.

Neither tram was derailed.

A spokeswoman for Conway County Borough Council, which runs the tramway, said the tramway would be closed until further notice.

"As an investigation is under way, I really can't say when we expect to open it again," she said.

She added that there had been minor incidents in the past involving the tramway, which dates back to 1902, but "nothing serious".

The Great Orme Mines and Country Park is a popular attraction, drawing crowds in the summer months to enjoy the view from the carboniferous limestone headland and visit the cafe and visitors' centre there.