A GRITTER slid off the road and down a four foot high bank as it fought against the freezing weather affecting the region.

The Durham County Council gritter was tackling a minor road near to Sedgefield when the accident took place.

Battling frozen roads the one man operated vehicle was near Stillington on the C92 and was not gritting at the time.

As it negotiated a right hand bend it slipped down a four foot embankment and came to rest on its side around 6.30am yesterday.

The driver received minor cuts and shock in the accident at South Street, near Mount Pleasant Road.

He was treated for his injuries at the University Hospital of North Durham.

The gritter was damaged in the accident and is likely to be out of action for up to two months.

Police forces across the region are warning drivers to be careful in the cold weather as a number of minor bumps took place.

Heavy snow and sleet is forecast across the North East and North Yorkshire in the coming days with a severe weather warning issued by the Met Office.

Drifting snow and blizzards are set to affect drivers struggling to get to work but the weather is set to improve as the day progresses.

Drivers are advised to carry warm clothing and an emergency pack, which includes food and water, boots, de-icer, a torch, and a shovel in case of snow.

A woman suffered minor injuries when her car rolled onto its side near Hedleyhope Fell nature reserve, County Durham, yesterday.

The 39-year-old, from Tow Law, was freed from her Silver Astra after the vehicle skidded off the road at Tow Law Fell just before 7.30am.

She was treated at the scene by paramedics and police believe the crash was caused by icy conditions.

Durham Constabulary reported a car hitting the central reservation of Ropery Lane, at Chester-le-Street.

While a six vehicle crash on the Cotsford Park Estate, in Horden, caused problems but no serious injuries.

North Yorkshire Police reported several minor bumps taking place in its region due to the weather.