Emergency services have rescued eight people who were trapped in heavy snowfall for over 12 hours in Staffordshire.

Since last night (9 March), artic conditions have continued to cause disruption on major roads across the region and have caused a number of vehicles to become stuck - particularly on the A53 and A523 near Leek.

Specialist rescue teams have been working hard to reach these people who have been stuck inside their vehicles in sub-zero temperatures for considerable amounts of time - some for more than 12 hours.

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service has now confirmed that a total of eight people in five vehicles have been successfully rescued and brought to safety.

Police officers, fire crews and the Army worked together to rescue stranded individuals and vehicles (Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service).

The efforts have seen mountain rescue teams and specialist rescue resources deployed alongside officers from Staffordshire Police and colleagues from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, West Midlands Ambulance Service and the British Army.

The National Police Air Service (NPAS) remain in the area and are continuing to check for any outstanding stranded vehicles. Both the A53 and the A523 remain closed to ensure the safety of the public.

Road conditions across Staffordshire have mostly improved this afternoon, although light snow and freezing temperatures are still forecast by the Met Office as we head into the weekend.

One of the largest gritters and snow blower teams in the UK will continue to be deployed across road networks in Staffordshire to improve driving conditions as much as possible.

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