HEAVY snow and sleet is forecast across the region in the next 24 hours.

The Met Office last night issued a severe weather warning for large parts of the country, including northern England.

Up to six inches of snow was expected to fall on higher ground, with two inches predicted for lower lying areas – but the weather is expected to improve as the day progresses.

The conditions caused problems for motorists yesterday.

A gritter slid off the road and down a 4ft bank at Stillington, near Sedgefield, County Durham, at 6.30am.

The driver received minor cuts and was treated at the University Hospital of North Durham.

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

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

Highway chiefs in County Durham last night pledged to try to ensure drivers face as little disruption as possible today. Its gritting fleet of 64 vehicles will be out from 2am.

Dave Wafer, acting head of highway management services, said: “We shall continue to do our best to keep the roads safe and passable. But every driver needs to remember that they, too, have a winter roads responsibility and should adapt their driving to suit the prevailing conditions.”