POLICE issued a warning to drivers after numerous accidents due to adverse weather.

Cleveland Police dealt with a number of incidents near Yarm, Stockton on Friday night.

"There are currently a number of vehicles stuck at the bottom of Leven Bank near Yarm as well as a number of abandoned cars in this area due to icy conditions," said a spokesperson.

"Police are on scene dealing with these issues but we would ask motorists to avoid the area if possible and seek alternative routes.

"Thank you for your understanding and co-operation!"

One driver wrote: "I want to thank the people at the bottom of bank who were helping us all by clearing the road and wiping excess snow of the tyres so we get a grip going up the bank!"

Earlier, Crook Police in County Durham said they dealt with problems caused by black ice.

"We are currently recieving a number of calls relating to road issues and RTC's and we would like to advise anyone travelling in the area that the snowfall is due to continue and there are areas being badly affected by black ice," a spokesman wrote.

"We would urge anyone to avoid the roads where possible and to only make a journey where necessary.

"We are currently dealing with a multi-vehicle RTC on the B6297 between Tow Law and Wolsingham, the road is impassable.

"There have been numerous calls for Church Hill and Low Jobs Hill in Crook - we would urge anyone to avoid the above roads and to find an alternative route."

More snow is forecast going into the weekend, and though it is unlikely to be as heavy, there is a danger of untreated, treacherous ice covering paths and roads.

A fresh yellow warning for snow and ice covering large areas of the UK took effect from noon on Friday until the same time on Saturday.

It covers northern Scotland, most of Northern Ireland, the eastern coast of England and the west coast of Wales.

A separate warning for ice is in place for the southern counties between 1pm on Friday and 11am on Saturday.

Conditions will be largely bright and cold through Saturday but a widespread hard frost and freezing fog are forecast for the early hours of Sunday.