Councils are confident they can cope with bad-weather conditions this winter - as up to three inches of snow fell on high-lying areas of the North Pennines this morning (Saturday, November 9).

A survey shows that local authorities in England and Wales have stockpiled more salt for this winter than last.

A total of 1.3 million tonnes was stockpiled for winter 2012/13 and the Local Government Association (LGA) shows that 95 per cent  of councils are either maintaining or increasing stock levels this winter.

Meanwhile, there were wintry scenes aplenty across parts of the North Pennines this morning (Sat).

Upto three inches of snow covered the Cumbrian fells as well as areas of County Durham, causing chilly temperatures and difficult conditions on the roads.

In Alston, Cumbria, snow made its first appearance since last winter covering hills, fields and solitary houses.

Snow ploughs cleared the roads and gritters were out in force as drivers battled to manoeuvre through the snow.

At the Hartside Cafe above Alston, which stands at an altitude of 1,904ft, general assistant Gloria Clarkson, 50, was busy clearing snow from paths and outside tables.

"There is quite a bit of snow here, it's over your feet," she said.

"I saw a car with snow on the roof on my way to work and I said, 'Oh my goodness', I was shocked. Then it started to snow again.

"Cars were having to drive really slowly and I heard a wagon had overturned.

"This is the first time we have had snow here in Alston since last January or Febuary.

"It is really cold and I think there will be more to come."

Highways bosses in North Yorkshire have stockpiled 50,000 tonnes of salt and have earmarked more than £7m to keep the roads open. It has also invested in several vehicles to bring their winter fleet up to 89 gritters, 120 snowploughs and five snowblowers.

Meanwhile, Durham County Council has a winter maintenance budget of about £4m and has a stockpile of more than 42,000 tonnes of salt while the Highways Agency has 15,000 tonnes for the North-East.

The LGA poll also showed that about half of local authorities plan to work alongside neighbouring councils to share equipment and salt.

Councils are also embracing innovative methods of tackling winter weather with 82 per cent using GPS trackers on their gritters this year and others using liquid de-icers, brine and sugar-coated salt which is less likely to be blown off roads by wind or traffic.

The LGA's economy and transport board chairman Peter Box said: ''Last month's St Jude storm proved that councils continue to rise to the challenge presented by the adverse weather this country can face and being prepared for winter remains a priority for councils.

''Despite tough financial times, councils are investing in new gritting equipment, exploring innovative techniques to tackle snow and frost and working alongside neighbouring councils and community groups.''

RAC spokesman Simon Williams said: ''The country's ability to cope with adverse winter weather like snow and ice has improved dramatically since the shortage of road salt we experienced in the winter of 2009/2010.

''The cold weather earlier this year certainly had far less impact on the road network than it could have done if councils and the Highways Agency had not been so well prepared.

"We hope that councils' stockpiles of salt do not have to be used too often this winter and if the weather is as bad as some forecasters predict, that their confidence proves to be justified.''