People urged to stay at home as snow falls in North East

Poor weather conditions are expected to continue over the next few days

Police in the North East are urging people to stay indoors and only venture out if it is an emergency after more heavy snowfall overnight.

The A1 has been badly hit, as has the A1061 and the A196. In Cumbria travel has not been affected but sporting fixtures were called off.

Some flights and rail travel have also been affected.

The Met office reported 35cm (14ins) of snow in parts of Northumberland and warned of more severe weather later.

On Saturday morning parts of the A1061 and A196 were closed, with some vehicles stranded.

On the A1(M) from junctions 65 to 56 one lane was blocked by snow.

Flights to and from the North East region's airports have been affected. They are urging passengers to check with their airline.

Sport cancelled

Rail travel has also been affected. East Coast said commuters should expect delays because of poor weather conditions.

A number of sports fixtures have been cancelled across the North East and Cumbria.

At Newcastle Racecourse, all races have been abandoned.

The Blaydon Harriers were due to be hosting the North East harriers cross country event, with 700 runners taking part, but it had to be cancelled.

Hartlepool United's FA Cup match against Yeovil Town was postponed about two hours before kick-off.

Cumbria's main football fixtures have also been cancelled, and Kendal rugby union's match called off.

The poor weather conditions have continued over the past few days.

On Friday more than 30 schools in Northumberland were closed. A number of schools on Tyne and Wear and Teesside were also shut.