Man, 64, dies while clearing snow in Darlington

Emergency services were called to Moulton Way in Darlington

A man found dead outside his Darlington home is believed to have died while clearing snow.

Emergency services went to Moulton Way on Sunday after 64-year-old Peter Andrews was found outside his house.

Post-mortem tests will be carried out later and a report will be prepared for the coroner.

Meanwhile, drivers are again being urged to take care on roads around the north-east of England as the sub-zero temperatures continue.

Despite the continuing cold weather, there was less disruption across the region.

Most schools across Teesside, Wearside and County Durham reopened on Monday but a number remained closed.

Trains shortage

There was a revised timetable for trains on the East Coast Mainline but Northern Rail train services between Middlesbrough and Whitby have resumed.

Tyne and Wear Metro operator Nexus said it would not operate some peak services due to a shortage of trains caused by the sustained freezing weather.

Go North East said its bus services were operating normally but there were some diversions because of parked vehicles and road conditions.

This was particularly affecting routes in the Derwentside, Chester-le-Street, Sacriston and east Durham areas.

Flights have been operating as normal from Durham Tees Valley.

Pauline Osbourne, regional chair of the federation of small businesses, said the big freeze was going to be costly for companies but was unable to put a figure on what might be the total cost while the bad weather continues.

NHS Blood and Transplant is urging people who donate blood to make a special effort to keep their appointments, as the snow and freezing conditions has led to a drop in supply.