Heavy snow disrupts schools, travel and Grimsby hospital

The Humber Bridge was closed to traffic after a lorry became stranded on the crossing in heavy snow

Heavy snow has severely disrupted the transport network across East Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire.

Up to 25cm (10in) of snow fell across the region, causing treacherous conditions on many main roads.

The Humber Bridge was closed for two hours and train and bus services severely disrupted across the Humber region.

Humberside Airport has cancelled all flights for the rest of the day with passengers urged to contact airlines.

More than 300 schools were closed, with many expected to remain shut on Thursday.

Stagecoach bus passengers are facing cancellations and major delays because of queues on roads in and out of Hull.

Hospital appeal

A number of East Yorkshire Motor Services have been cancelled until further notice but all Hull services are currently running.

A reduced service with extended journey time is in operation on the East Coast Main Line.

Northern Rail services have been suspended on the Barton-on-Humber to Cleethorpes line.

A Humberside Police spokesman said: "Rural roads have been particularly affected especially in the North Lincolnshire area.

"People are urged to travel only if it is essential."

In Grimsby, health chiefs were using 4x4 vehicles to collect staff unable to reach Diana Princess of Wales hospital.

North East Lincolnshire Care Trust Plus made an urgent appeal for any NHS workers or members of the public with 4x4 vehicles to bring them to the hospital.

The town's Freshney Place shopping centre was also closed on public safety grounds due to the adverse weather conditions.

The Lord Mayor of Hull's planned switch-on of the Christmas lights in Newland Avenue on Wednesday evening has been cancelled.