THE A66 between the A1(M) Scotch Corner, in North Yorkshire, and the M6 remains closed this lunchtime amid continued efforts by the Highways Agency to make it safe for drivers.

The agency said extra gritters and a snow blower had been brought in to help clear the route with conditions still treacherous.

Meanwhile, sharp-eyed council workers in County Durham who were operating a snow blower in Harwood, Teesdale, came to the rescue of pregnant ewes who it is thought had been buried up to their necks in deep snow for two days.

They used shovels to dig away the snow and free the animals, before giving them a rubdown.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue said hanging icicles in parts of the county were leading to calls from the public because of the dangers they posed.

And police warned drivers to continue respect speed limits amid continued icy conditions.

Cleveland and Durham’s joint road safety unit said enforcement carried out by officers in Trenchard Avenue, Thornaby, on Friday resulted in 20 people being caught driving over the 30mph limit – including one who was doing 51mph.

Durham Constabulary said its control room was experiencing a high value of calls.

It said on Facebook: “Although we are coping with increased demand, our resources are stretched as we continue to deal with incidents.

“While we’d love to tow every stranded car out of the snow, please help us by only calling in emergency situations. While the adverse weather continues, we still advise only making essential journeys, and taking extreme care when out on the roads.

“Stay safe, and #GanCanny!”

The risk posed by ice will continue to be a problem throughout Saturday and into Sunday, forecasters said.

But any remaining snow showers will begin to turn to rain tomorrow and it will be less cold by the afternoon.

Attention is likely to switch to the coast where the Environment Agency has warned of risks posed by spring tides and strong winds.

Seaham coastguard said an alert for high tides would remain in force on Saturday from 2.45pm to 7.15pm.

It said: “Spring tides and strong winds are forecast to cause wave overtopping and spray along the coast, with locations at Seaham Harbour and Docks, Seaburn Lower Prom, Hendon Promenade and Whitley Sands Promenade particularly vulnerable to overtopping throughout these periods.

“People are advised to stay away from risk areas and take care next to the coast.”