COMMUTERS faced delays on the East Coast Main Line yesterday when the wrong kind of air slowed high-speed trains to only 5mph.

Temperatures as low as -10C near the Scottish border left most south-bound services between Edinburgh and London running an hour late during the afternoon.

Operators GNER said the "super-chilled" air caused ice on the overhead lines on a five-mile stretch of track south of Berwick in Northumberland.

The problem had a knock-on effect for passengers boarding trains at Newcastle, Durham, Darlington, North-allerton and York for most of the afternoon.

A GNER spokesman said: "The ice on the lines resulted in speed restrictions of 5mph which meant some trains were very late.

"Temperatures outside the town areas were as low as -10C and the extreme cold temperatures, coupled with very damp, cold air, is what has caused the problem."

Meanwhile, the end-of-year freeze which has gripped the region is expected to give way to milder temperatures from tonight.

Many people made the most of the winter whiteout, with sledges being dusted off and youngsters scooping up snowballs.

But motorists are still being warned to take extra care on the roads until the remaining freezing weather has completely cleared.

Weather experts have predicted that the last of the snow will fall on the region today.

The Met Office said sleet and snow this morning would turn to rain, and this afternoon would be mostly cloudy and not as cold as the -7C recorded in some places yesterday morning.

A slight frost is forecast for tonight, but tomorrow is expected to be much milder with a lot of dry and sunny spells.

Tomorrow night will be dry with localised frost, while Sunday will be a day of sunny spells and scattered showers with fresh north-westerly winds.

Showers of sleet or snow are forecast for the Pennines, but most places will be dry overnight, although patchy mist and fog will linger in low-lying areas.

The Highways Agency yesterday advised drivers to check the weather forecast and road conditions before setting out.

A fresh covering of snow was expected in the North-East and North Yorkshire this morning, and motorists were warned that conditions were likely to be difficult during rush hour.

The region escaped snow for the bulk of yesterday, but it was expected to return last night from the west and leave up to two inches in most places.

On some higher routes, there could be as much as six inches, and drifting is likely.

However, the Environment Agency said the thaw, coupled with the anticipated rain, should not pose a risk of flooding.