A SUDDEN snow storm caused travel problems in parts of the region yesterday with blizzards forcing motorists in east Cleveland to abandon their vehicles.

Roads in Saltburn were brought to a standstill.

George Tough, 27, who has lived in Saltburn for 20 years, said he has never known weather like it.

The barman, who works in the Marine Parade Pub in the town, said: “It has been snowing heavily all day.

“Several roads have been closed, because there is just so much snow, people are getting stuck.

“The pub is far busier than it usually is, with people coming in to shelter from the bitter cold.

“The sky is a deep, dark grey. It looks like it will never stop.”

Janet Coser, 49, owner of the Victoria Pub, said: “It is really, really bad here. The snow is about four to five inches thick and it looks as though there is a lot more on the way.

“People have been abandoning their cars, and taking shelter inside the pub. I can’t say I have every known weather as bad as this – it is just horrific.

“Saltburn Bank, one of the roads out of the town, has been closed.”

David Win, 24, head chef at the Vista Mar restaurant, said: “Police have been stopping cars going up the banks in Saltburn, only allowing 4x4s through.

“It has been snowing relentlessly for hours – there has just been no stopping it.”