THE A66 in County Durham has been re-opened after a number of minor accidents earlier today.

Police closed the road between Scotch Corner in North Yorkshire and Bowes in County Durham for several hours after black ice led to a number of minor accidents this morning.

A spokesman for Durham Police said: “The accidents were minor but because conditions were hazardous the A66 was closed.

“Conditions now are reported to be wet but otherwise back to normal and traffic is free flowing once more.”

Gritters were deployed onto the road to deal with the hazardous conditions.