EMERGENCY services across the region had a busy day.

Staffordshire Police received a high number of calls from stranded motorists. Officers are now urging drivers to avoid side roads and country lanes where possible.

Two men were treated in hospital for neck injuries after their car collided with a concrete post during the early morning snowfall in Belle Vue, Leek. The accident blocked the road.

Drivers whose vehicles break down in the snow and ice are asked to contact a recovery company rather than the police unless the vehicle is causing an obstruction. Instead of calling 999, drivers should contact Staffordshire Police on 03001 234455.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council sent gritting crews to major and minor roads, and bus routes, yesterday at 5.15am and again after 5pm.

The city council has 460 tonnes of grit left, which will last up to 13 days if snow remains light, or four-and-a-half days with heavy snow. Staffordshire County Council is gritting A and B routes and has just under 2,000 tonnes of salt. It is expecting a delivery of supplies tomorrow.

Cheshire East Council's gritting vehicles reloaded from Winsford salt mine yesterday and will continue to prioritise A and B roads, and routes to A&E hospitals.

Crews ploughed the A537 'Cat and Fiddle' and the A54 throughout the day after both roads were closed due to drifting snow.

Waste collections were also affected, with black ice disrupting routes in Staffordshire Moorlands.

Refuse crews in Newcastle are dealing with similar difficulties, with collections being particularly difficult in Loggerheads and some parts of Clayton. Residents are advised to leave their bins out until they are emptied, up until Saturday evening when households should revert to only putting their bins out on collection day.

The bad weather has brought good news for some.

Window cleaner Dean Tabberner is in great demand with his innovative system that stops water from freezing and allows him to reach high windows even when it is too icy for ladders.

Dean, aged 30, from Blurton, said: "The water is de-ionised and chemicals added to it in a tank in the back of the van. We then pump it through a telescopic pole with a brush on the end."

Stafford Bull Terrier Angel was also enjoying the weather.

The two-year-old dog had been treated to a new coat by her owner Graham Rowe, pictured left.

Graham picked up the brown wax coat at Doggie Fashions, in Trentham.

The 29-year-old head chef said:"We've had a few people commenting on how cute she looks."