PARTS of the region ground to a halt on Thursday as the North-East was hit with the first significant snowfall this year - and icy conditions were forecast for the morning commute on Friday.

Hazardous conditions led to road closures, accidents, and public transport disruption which caused chaos for commuters who faced delays on their journeys to work.

Motorists are being advised to take extra care on the roads as a yellow warning for ice in the North-East remains in force till 11am on Friday while temperatures are expected to plunge at the weekend.

The Northern Echo:

The Gaunless Valley Picture: Alison Coatsworth, Northern Echo Camera Club

Some of the worst affected areas hit by the snow on Thursday were County Durham towns Stanley and Consett as well as the Yorkshire Dales.

A Go North-East bus had to be pulled out with the help of a local farmer after becoming stuck in a verge on Green Lane between Holmside and Quaking Houses, near Stanley.

Police sent out a warning at around 10.50am to let people in the area know one lane was blocked and urged motorists not to travel unless it was absolutely necessary.

Some of the bus operator's services in Consett, Stanley and Castleside were delayed due to the heavy snowfall.

And the Buttertubs Pass between Wensleydale and Hawes and Newby Head Pass, from Hawes to Ribblehead were among the routes worst affected.

A number of schools in the region were forced to close due to treacherous conditions and lack of heating or power.

Among them was St Stephen's Church of England Primary School, in Willington, Wingate Nursery School, Wingate, and St Michael's C of E Primary School in Bishop Middleham.

The cold snap is forecast to continue in the coming days with temperatures not expected to rise above three to five degrees on Friday with the Met Office warning of possible light snow on higher ground and a sprinkling on lower levels.

A spokesperson for the Met Office said: "Friday, Saturday and Sunday will be very sunny and bright but very cold, probably not getting above three degrees (during the day) and minus two or minus three degrees on Saturday night into Sunday morning.

"Be careful when you are driving, even slight sleet can cause accidents and disruption to travel."

Public Health England (PHE) has issued its own warning about staying safe and warm.

Paul Davison, of PHE North-East, said: “The Met Office says that many places are going to feel really cold for the next few days, which may be a bit of a shock after our recent milder weather, so it’s really important people take extra care when out and about."

Tips and more information can be found at www.nhs.uk/staywell