HEAVY snow hit the region causing problems on the roads and catching many people by surprise.

Up to five inches of snow fell in parts of North Yorkshire on Sunday afternoon with higher ground in the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors particularly badly hit. At times in the afternoon, blizzard conditions were reported, catching out many walkers and cyclists who struggled through the conditions.

A group of canoeists from Durham University's canoeing club were also caught out in the freezing conditions when they headed to Keld in Swaledale, but it didn't deter them from testing the water.

They tweeted: "?@durhamunicanoe: Durham paddlers braving the snow for some Yorkshire waterfalls!"

The weather caused problems on roads around Ingleton and Hawes and bad driving conditions reported throughout the county, including a minor accident on the B6255 at Newby Head pass.

Another vehicle ended up on its roof after crashing in the snow and ice on the tank toad between Richmond and Leyburn.

The A170 had to be closed at Sutton Bank during the afternoon when the 1 in 4 gradient bank became treacherous. A snow plough was called in to clear the road and it was reopened again by later afternoon.

Heavy snow showers also spread to lower areas of the county such as Northallerton and Stokesley.

In many parts of the county the snow cleared almost as quickly as it had arrived, turning to slush before darkness fell.

Meteorologists say the cold snap has been brought from Canada, bringing with it a mixture of sleet, snow and hail showers.

Wintry showers were expected to last overnight across North Yorkshire and the North East and drivers are warned to watch out for icy road conditions first thing on Monday morning.

A Met Office forecast stated: “Problems should reduce steadily further into Monday morning, as the March sunshine gets to work on melting the snow.”

There is a chance of further wintry showers on Tuesday, but by Wednesday milder conditions should set in.