A FAMILY with two young children had to be rescued after becoming stuck in snow.

Police were called at about 11am after the Nissan Qashqai became stuck in snow on Bulmer Hill, between Sheriff Hutton and Bulmer in Ryedale, North Yorkshire.

Police say the family was very distressed.

Two officers who were due to police fracking protests at Kirby Misperton had been redeployed to other duties in Ryedale earlier that day – and were in the area in a 4x4 police vehicle at the time.

"Due to the nature of protest activity, police resources at Kirby Misperton were scaled down, and most of the officers redeployed to respond to incidents, carry out high-visibility reassurance patrols, and similar roles elsewhere in North Yorkshire. Many ended up dealing with incidents related to the wintry weather," said a spokesman for North Yorkshire Police.

"When the two officers arrived at Bulmer Hill at 11.20am, a further two vehicles had also become stuck there. The officers helped to grit the road, and gave the family a lift home so their car could be recovered later."

Police in Whitby also spent a busy shift helping to clear stranded lorries and cars on the A171 Guisborough Road, as well as dealing with stuck vehicles and collisions in many other parts of the county.

The spokesman added: “As the cold weather closes in, it’s extremely important to prepare your vehicle for driving in wintry conditions, and take extra care on the roads.”

Police gave the following advice:

• Check brakes, lights, wiper blades, and oil and washer fluid levels

• Ensure tyres meet legal requirements – and preferably a tread depth of 3mm

• Carry water and de-icer in the car with you

• If you are going on a longer journey, bring food, hot drinks, blankets and a fully-charged mobile phone

• Always clear your windscreen properly of ice and snow before setting off For more winter driving advice, include video tips from police driver trainers, visit the North Yorkshire Police website: www.northyorkshire.police.uk/winterdriving