WINTER has returned to Weardale as this scene of High House Chapel taken this morning (Thursday) shows.

This picture, taken by David Heatherington, shows the chapel in Ireshopeburn.

The chapel had been due to hold the launch of a new tourist trail around Methodist Chapels in the North East tomorrow, but the event has been cancelled due to the snow with more expected this weekend.

Mr Heatherington, secretary of the Weardale Museum, said: “The snow is settling, we still have about three inches on the ground and more is forecast for tomorrow (March 22) sometime.

“We are all hoping it doesn’t materialise but the weather situation can be quite different up here.”