THE A66 trans-Pennine re-opened at 6.30pm today, an unprecedented six days after the weather forced it to close.

The route between Bowes, in County Durham, and Brough, in Cumbria, was closed to traffic after heavy snowfalls made it impassable.

Highways officials and parner agencies have spent all day clearing the route, from both ends, to ensure it could re-open.

Inspector Kevin Tuck, of Barnard Castle Police, said the lengtle of the closure was "unprecedented".

He added: "We can't find in our records a time when it's been closed for that long.

"That emphasises the freak weather we've had."