Police are urging people to drive carefully due to the snowy and icy conditions on the roads.

Offers have dealt with "numerous" crashes in all parts of Cumbria due to the wintry conditions.

They are asking motorists to slow down and allow extra time for journeys.

A force spokesman said: "Better to arrive late than not at all."

People in parts of Cumbria woke up to heavy snow with up to 23cm falling in some areas.

Several roads have been closed off because of the bad conditions and police are advising people to only drive if necessary.

The snow gates were closed on the A66 - linking Cumbria with the north east, a decision taken at about 1.30am. The road was closed in both directions between Brough and Scotch Corner until about 1.30pm today.

As well, part of the B5305 linking Penrith with Wigton was closed due to weather issues.

A full list of road closures and problems can be found here.

A police spokesman said: "Drivers on the M6 - and all roads affected by the weather - are urged to drive with extreme caution."

At about 1.30am a lorry jack-knifed on the M6 northbound, one mile away from junction 39 for Shap. The driver is not believed to be injured.

The Met Office is reporting that 23cm fell at RAF Spadeadam, east of Brampton, overnight, with 15cm of that coming in just two hours. A further 15cm fell in Shap.

A yellow warning for snow and ice remains in place for most of the county until midnight on tomorrow.

There is also an ice warning in place for south Cumbria until 10am tomorrow.

The Met Office issued an amber warning - the second highest alert level - for the north eastern part of the region yesterday.

At least seven schools in Cumbria were closed today because of snow. They're listed in full here.

A spokesperson for Cumbria County Council's gritting team said: "Snow has hit across Cumbria through night. Its been a busy old night for our highways teams.

"We currently have between 25mm to 100mm across the network.

"Drivers are asked to allow more time for their journey and take care on both treated and untreated roads."