SNOW and heavy rain in parts of the region caused travel problems on Saturday, and this morning drivers are being warned to take extra care after temperatures dropped overnight, leadiing to widespread frost and ice. 

Driving conditions were particularly bad yesterday in DerwentsideWeardale and the Yorkshire Dales.

North Yorkshire Police said Sutton Bank was very difficult to drive on with vehicles getting stuck, while the snow gates were closed on the A66 between Bowes and Brough for several hours yesterday afternoon.

The road later reopened between the A1 at Scotch Corner and Brough.

Motorists in Richmond reported the town as being gridlocked, while traffic in Barnard Castle, Hawes and Middleham is having trouble trouble negotiating snow-covered roads.

The Northern Echo:

Snow in Ferryhill Picture @stuaustin1973

Bus company Go North East said it had buses stuck in estates at Delves, Castleside and Bridgehill, County Durham.

The Northern Echo:

An accident on the A67 near Barnard Castle Picture: North News

Arriva North East said: "Service update: Heavy snow in the Durham area is causing lengthy delays and disruption.

"We are trying to regulate all our services to get you home as best as we can.We apologise for these disruptions."

Northumbria Police issued a statement advising road users to take extra care in the snowy and wintry conditions.

A spokesperson said: "Snow, heavy rain and icy road surfaces make life much more difficult for motorists and it's important people drive according to the conditions." 

This morning, County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service said roads were "potentially quite dangerous" due to ice.

The Northern Echo:

Hawes, North Yorkshire Picture: @bezberesford

The Northern Echo:

Snow falling in the Derwentside area of County Durham this morning Picture: @DurhamSCChief

The Northern Echo:

Snow dogs in Tow Law Picture: @emmared

An ice warning was published for early on Sunday morning for the whole region by the Met Office.

The Northern Echo:

The scene in Rushyford 

It says: "As rain, sleet and snow clear eastwards later on Saturday afternoon and evening, temperatures will fall sharply under clearing skies and will allow widespread icy stretches to form on untreated roads and pavements.

"Freezing fog patches may be another local hazard. Please be aware of the need to take extra care when walking, driving or cycling in the affected area."

The Northern Echo:

West Cornforth snow Picture: Lynne Davies

Send us your snow pictures at newsdesk@nne.co.uk or via @thenorthernecho on Twitter