Much of the North East woke up to a blanket of snow this morning, which has resulted in a number of road closures, disruption to public transport and school closures.

A number of yellow weather warnings are in place across different parts of the region with cold and wintery weather set to continue into the weekend.

Schools across the region were forced to close after the cold weather including a number in Darlington such as Beaumont Hill Academy, Longfield Academy and High Coniscliffe Primary School.

Meanwhile, the A66 was also closed overnight and into this morning (Friday, March 10) after heavy snowfall yesterday.

A spokesperson for National Highways said: “For safety reasons, the decision had been taken to proactively close the A66, but it has now reopened.”

Families were seen out and about enjoying the white stuff while sledging down the nearest hill they could find.

Pictures showed Geoffrey Grieves with his grandson Le-Bron Grieves aged two sledging down a snowy slope.

The Northern Echo: Geoffrey Grieves with grandson Le-Bron Grieves aged two Picture: SARAH CALDECOTTGeoffrey Grieves with grandson Le-Bron Grieves aged two Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT (Image: Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Police officers also took advantage of the white stuff after they arrested a thief by tracing his footprints in the snow.

The Met Office has advised that today (Friday, March 10) will be cold with a widespread frost at first, and snow showers affecting coastal regions.

The cold snap has been caused by an area of low pressure moving across the UK, with areas of higher ground away from cities forecast to see the most snowfall. Strong winds could also lead to blizzard conditions with icy stretches likely tonight (Friday).

The forecaster continues to issue yellow weather warnings which have extended into the weekend.

A yellow warning for snow and ice continues to be in place for the region until 6am on Sunday.

A yellow warning for ice was issued today by the Met Office which is set to last from 9.30am until 10am on Saturday.

The forecaster has warned of continued disruption to travel and danger from untreated roads and paths.

Read more: North East Weather LIVE: Updates as snow continues to cause travel chaos

The Northern Echo: A dog enjoying the snow in Wallsend. Picture: North NewsA dog enjoying the snow in Wallsend. Picture: North News (Image: North News)

The Northern Echo: A drone image of Ingleby Barwick in the snow. Picture: North NewsA drone image of Ingleby Barwick in the snow. Picture: North News (Image: TeesPix)

The Northern Echo: The Denes in Darlington. Picture: Andy White, NewsquestThe Denes in Darlington. Picture: Andy White, Newsquest (Image: Andy White, Newsquest)

The Northern Echo: Durham Cathedral in the snow. Picture: North NewsDurham Cathedral in the snow. Picture: North News (Image: North News)

The Northern Echo: Geoffrey Grieves with son Jordan and grandson Le-Bron Grieves aged two. Picture: Sarah CaldecottGeoffrey Grieves with son Jordan and grandson Le-Bron Grieves aged two. Picture: Sarah Caldecott (Image: Sarah Caldecott)

The Northern Echo: Consett in the snow. Picture: Sarah CaldecottConsett in the snow. Picture: Sarah Caldecott (Image: North News)

The Northern Echo: Appleton Wiske, North Yorkshire. Picture: Scott Wilson, NewsquestAppleton Wiske, North Yorkshire. Picture: Scott Wilson, Newsquest (Image: Scott Wilson, Newsquest)

The Northern Echo: A snowball fight in Ryton, Tyne & Wear. Picture: The Northern EchoA snowball fight in Ryton, Tyne & Wear. Picture: The Northern Echo (Image: The Northern Echo)

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The Northern Echo: A dog enjoying the snow in Ingleton, County Durham. Picture: Sarah Caldecott, NewsquestA dog enjoying the snow in Ingleton, County Durham. Picture: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest (Image: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest)

The Northern Echo: West end of Darlington in the snow. Picture: Amy Smith, NewsquestWest end of Darlington in the snow. Picture: Amy Smith, Newsquest (Image: Amy Smith, Newsquest)