Parts of the North East woke to a dusting of snow this morning amid warnings of freezing temperatures in the coming days.

The region was braced for snow and ice on Tuesday (November 19) after the Met Office issued a yellow warning advising that vehicles could be stranded, power cuts may occur and rural areas could be cut off - but the forecaster rescinded the warning late on Monday.

A couple walking their dog on a snow-scattered hill in Durham.A couple walking their dog on a snow-scattered hill in Durham. (Image: OWEN HUMPHREYS/PA) Snowy scenes in Brandon, County Durham.Snowy scenes in Brandon, County Durham. (Image: OWEN HUMPHREYS/PA)

Temperatures plummeted overnight with snow showers described as “the first taste of winter”.

Pictures from Durham showed a dusting over the Cathedral and the village of Brandon with a covering of the white-stuff on rooftops and masking green fields.

Nationwide it has caused school closures, train cancellations and road delays in parts of the UK after severe weather warnings were issued.

Christmassy scenes in Durham where a light dusting of snow has settled.Christmassy scenes in Durham where a light dusting of snow has settled. (Image: OWEN HUMPHREYS/PA)

A dusting over Durham and the Cathedral.A dusting over Durham and the Cathedral. (Image: OWEN HUMPHREYS/PA)

A National Highways amber severe weather alert for snow was in place until 10am with warnings of 10-15cm of snow possible in some areas.

The country is bracing for snow, ice and cold temperatures as up to 20cm of snow could hit the this week.

The Met Office, which described the conditions as “the first taste of winter”, said 5-10cm of snow would prove disruptive in England, with Derbyshire being the area most likely to be affected.

Snow on the rooftops in Brandon.Snow on the rooftops in Brandon. (Image: OWEN HUMPHREYS/PA) Snow over Durham and on the hills.Snow over Durham and on the hills. (Image: OWEN HUMPHREYS/PA)

Dr Agostinho Sousa, from the UKHSA, said: “This is the first amber Cold Weather Health Alert of the season, but we can expect more as we approach winter, and it is vital to check in on vulnerable friends, family and neighbours to ensure they are well prepared for the onset of cold weather.

“Particularly if they are elderly or otherwise at increased risk.”

Durham woke up to a scattering of the white stuff.Durham woke up to a scattering of the white stuff. (Image: OWEN HUMPHREYS/PA) Cold temperatures are expected over the coming days.Cold temperatures are expected over the coming days. (Image: OWEN HUMPHREYS/PA)