YOUNGSTERS headed for the nearest steep hill when snow came to the region this week.

But as the forecast for the week's weather continued to be icy, a spokesman for Darlington Borough Council said it will not possible for all roads in the town to be gritted due to the size of the borough and the scale of work that needs to be carried out.

The team - which operates between October and March - grits roads twice a day, at 5am and 7pm. There are nine gritting routes through the borough, covering 200 miles of road.

The spokesman said: "Our advice to motorists is always give yourself extra travelling time and stick to major routes. Whether you use public transport, walk or use your car - take care."