Snow storms cause chaos across East Lancashire

Freak wintry weather saw up to 20cm of snow fall in some areas with high winds causing deep snow drifts in others.

Gritters and snow ploughs were out in force last night clearing priority routes in Burnley, Pendle and the Ribble Valley.

But motorists were hit hard with many roads impassable as snow caused treacherous driving conditions.

The M65 between Burnley and Colne was down to one lane last night with snow sticking to the motorway.

Worsthorne village was completely cut off by 4ft snow drifts and outlying areas including Cliviger, Newchurch in Pendle, Sabden and Earby were hit hard.

Keighley Road in Colne and Skipton Old Road in Foulridge were shut because of snow and remained closed this morning.

Queues of traffic were reported on Bacup Road in Burnley and Red Lees Road in Cliviger was closed because of wintry conditions today. Bus services have also been hit by the freak March snow.

Mainline services were running this morning between Padiham and Colne although Transdev officials said services to Keighley, Trawden, Barnoldswick, Earby and Skipton were still affected.

Starship services to Worsthorne, Waidshouse Road, Hill Place, Kibble Bank, Brunshaw and Pike Hill were still suspended this morning.

Mainline services from Burnley to Clitheroe were running however buses were forced to miss out Sabden.

It was a busy night for Rossendale and Pendle Mountain Rescue Teams and their colleagues in Bowland were called out to help an ambulance stuck in snow in Slaidburn at 1am this morning.

The Met Office has kept a yellow weather warning in place for East Lancashire with more snow expected today.

Police urged motorists to avoid travelling in severe weather conditions unless it is an essential journey.