A MOTORIST escaped serious injury when his car skidded off the road and ended up on its roof as freezing weather hit the region.

The accident happened on the A168 in North Yorkshire, early yesterday morning as ice and snow gripped the roads.

The driver of a Fiat Punto crashed into the central reservation of the A168 at Dishforth at 9.15am.

The car span across the road and ended up in a field on its roof leaving the male driver with minor injuries.

The accident took place half a mile from the A168’s junction with the A1.

The crash was one of 38 collisions which took place in North Yorkshire between 6am and 9.30am yesterday.

None of the collisions were serious and all of the drivers escaped with minor injuries.

The police are issuing safety warnings to motorists as further snow showers in coastal areas are forecast for today.

Heavy snow and rain are also forecast to fall over much of the North- East and North Yorkshire tonight.

Drivers are warned to make sure windscreens are clear and that screenwashers are full and have de-icer in them.

Tyre pressure and tread should be checked and lights cleaned and working.

Fuel levels should also be checked before setting off.

Police urge drivers to check routes in advance and to carry a map plus a first aid kit, warm clothes and food, plus a blanket, a torch and rope.

The freezing weather gave some children a day off school as North Yorkshire County Council reported several closures.

Among the closures were Brompton and Sawdon Primary School, in Scarborough, and Weaverthorpe Primary School and Leavening Primary School, both near Malton.