MOTORISTS were forced to abandon cars and walk to work as snow and ice created treacherous road conditions in parts of East Lancashire today.

Side streets in Darwen were worst affected and further traffic hold-ups were caused when a number of heavy goods vehicles became stranded in the town centre.

Police helped free the lorries in the Redearth Road area and the main roads cleared as the rush hour ended.

But drivers were urged to allow plenty of time for their journey.

A blanket of snow covered parts of Rossendale and Darwen, while two council workmen were taken to hospital with minor injuries after a gritter overturned and rolled down an embankment at Doeford Bridge, Chaigley.

The M65 was described as passable but hazardous between junction three and the junction with the M6 at Bamber Bridge while the A56 at Rising Bridge was temporarily closed as heavy goods vehicles struggled to make their way through the snow.

Rossendale Search and Rescue team were called out at 5am to help free an ambulance stuck in snow on the driveway at Rossendale Hospital.

Weather experts said the cold spell is due to end overnight and temperature should rise by Christmas Day, which is expected to be a mixture of sunshine and showers, with some chance of hail.

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