HUNDREDS of schools and scores of minor roads have been closed by heavy overnight snow.

Around 300 schools have been shut across the region as teachers struggled to reach them. Parents have been advised to check before setting out.

The closures include 54 in North Yorkshire, and 12 in Redcar and Cleveland.

In Darlington, 12 schools have shut today because of snow. They are Firthmoor Primary, St Teresa's RC Primary, Phoenix Centre, Hummersknott School and Language College, St Augustine's RC Primary, Redhall Primary, Cockerton CE Primary School, St Bede's RC Primary, Holy Family RC Primary, Cockerton Primary, St Augustine's Primary, Education Village is closed to Haughton School pupils from years seven, eight and nine.

Police said there had been several minor shunts as motorists skidded in the treacherous conditions.

Police closed the snowgates on the A66 between Bowes and Brough early this morning and expect them to stay shut until tomorrow.

A Durham Constabulary spokesman said this morning: "A review will be carried out tomorrow but, with weather forecasters predicting heavy snowfalls later today and over night, the portents are not good.

"Snowfalls are expected to be between 10cm on low ground and double that on the hills."

Overnight 22 accidents were reported in County Durham and Darlington, with injuries reported in only three. No one was badly hurt.

At Winston, County Durham, an ambulance overturned and hit a lamppost in the early hours. It was not carrying patients.

This morning most roads across Durham are said to be passable with care.

Trains running southbound are on time but services using the east coast mainline are subject to delay.

Services into Durham Tees Valley and Newcastle airports have also been disrupted.

Weathermen say the snow will get worse throughout today with a major fall expected this evening.

The freezing conditions are expected to last for the rest of the week.