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Motorists rescued from snowdrifts Motorists rescued from snowdrifts
(about 2 hours later)
More than 100 people have been rescued from stranded vehicles on the A66 in County Durham after heavy snowfall in the area. More than 100 people have been rescued from vehicles stranded on the A66 in County Durham by heavy snowfall.
Durham Police have launched a major rescue operation on the transpennine route, which is currently closed in both directions. Durham Police launched a major rescue operation on the transpennine route, which is currently closed in both directions.
The stranded motorists are being moved to nearby villages, to be sheltered in hotels and pubs.The stranded motorists are being moved to nearby villages, to be sheltered in hotels and pubs.
A coach party of pensioners is among those rescued. A coach party of 40 pensioners and another of 15 children were among those taken to safety.
About 130 cars and lorries have been recovered from the scene, and the west-bound carriageway has now been cleared of vehicles.
More than 50 remain stranded on the eastbound side.
Those affected are being told to stay put until rescuers arrive in the area, which is affected by heavy snowdrifts.Those affected are being told to stay put until rescuers arrive in the area, which is affected by heavy snowdrifts.
'Unexpectedly heavy''Unexpectedly heavy'
The incident follows an earlier warning for motorists to take care as wintry weather swept across the Pennines.The incident follows an earlier warning for motorists to take care as wintry weather swept across the Pennines.
But a Durham Police spokesman stressed that drivers were not to blame, as the snow was "unexpectedly heavy".But a Durham Police spokesman stressed that drivers were not to blame, as the snow was "unexpectedly heavy".
Neil Sterio, from the Highways Agency, said: "The good news is we have managed to clear a path and we will shortly be working to try to free vehicles which are stuck and turn them away from the scene. Neil Sterio, from the Highways Agency, said: "The good news on the western side is that we've recovered all the vehicles by clearing a route with snow ploughs.
"At the request of police, we helped evacuate a large number of people from the scene, including 40 pensioners from a coach party."At the request of police, we helped evacuate a large number of people from the scene, including 40 pensioners from a coach party.
"We are continuing to work at the scene and are carrying out welfare checks and delivering water and food." "About 15 children, who I believe were with a school party, were also rescued."
Simon Wilson, from the Castle Hotel in Brough, is among those receiving people freed from vehicles.Simon Wilson, from the Castle Hotel in Brough, is among those receiving people freed from vehicles.
He said: "We've only got 15 rooms, but everyone's in the bar at the moment.He said: "We've only got 15 rooms, but everyone's in the bar at the moment.
"We don't quite know what's going to happen, we're just trying to keep everyone nice and warm.""We don't quite know what's going to happen, we're just trying to keep everyone nice and warm."
People are being urged not to travel unless absolutely necessary.People are being urged not to travel unless absolutely necessary.
Widespread frostWidespread frost
Anyone who does should pack food, warm clothes and a shovel in case high winds cause snowdrifts, according to the Highways Agency.Anyone who does should pack food, warm clothes and a shovel in case high winds cause snowdrifts, according to the Highways Agency.
Those worried about stranded relatives can call Durham Police's hotline on 0191 3860098.
Schools across the North closed early and in south Cumbria about 1,000 properties were left without electricity, after wind-blown trees brought down overhead cables.Schools across the North closed early and in south Cumbria about 1,000 properties were left without electricity, after wind-blown trees brought down overhead cables.
The Highways Agency also urged motorists to avoid the A68, A69, A696 and A686 in Northumberland.The Highways Agency also urged motorists to avoid the A68, A69, A696 and A686 in Northumberland.
The severe weather is expected to continue into the weekend.The severe weather is expected to continue into the weekend.
Temperatures will fall below freezing overnight, with a widespread frost expected on Saturday morning.Temperatures will fall below freezing overnight, with a widespread frost expected on Saturday morning.
During Saturday, wintry showers are forecast to be isolated to mainly Lancashire and Cumbria.During Saturday, wintry showers are forecast to be isolated to mainly Lancashire and Cumbria.