DRIVERS are being urged not to travel unless it is necessary after heavy snow made driving dangerous in North Yorkshire.

Ice and snow have already led to 28 collisions in the county today as drivers struggle with the freezing weather.

Emergency services and the local councils are working to clear roads and search and rescue teams are on stand by.

Chief inspector Simon Lovell, of the police, said: "The current conditions were expected and plans were in place to deal with any disruption as quickly as possible.

"We have been called to a number of incidents this morning but thankfully none too serious.

"On the whole, the majority of motorists that have ventured out are driving sensibly, but it is inevitable that some collisions will occur.

"We are hopeful that conditions will improve later today, but in the meantime, our advice is to not drive unless absolutely necessary."