Snow causes problems on A50 and A34 in Staffordshire

Work went on through the night to re-open the A50

More than 100 vehicles were abandoned on the A50 in Uttoxeter as Staffordshire was hit by heavy snowfall.

The Met Office said 11cm (4.3in) fell in Leek on Saturday and overnight with the county now on a yellow alert for severe icy weather conditions.

The problems on the A50 were between the A518 and B5030 where two lorries jack-knifed. The road is now open.

The A34 near Tittensor has also re-opened after being closed southbound.

Insp Alison Dando said another jack-knifed lorry and diesel spillage had caused problems on the A34.

She added that around 40 people who abandoned their vehicles on the A50 made their way to a hotel which is part of the Racecourse Restaurant in Uttoxeter.

Linda Lucking, from Stoke-on-Trent, was one of those who spent the night there.

Mrs Lucking was travelling back from Sheffield with her husband and son when they got stuck. They spent over 10 hours at the hotel after leaving their vehicle at about 22:00 GMT on Saturday.

"Staff brought out blankets and quilts for those who weren't able to get a room. There was great camaraderie amongst the group."

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service said crews rescued two dogs from frozen lakes, one in Tunstall Park, Stoke-on-Trent, and another from Hales Hall Road Pool in Cheadle.