A SEVEN-vehicle crash closed the A170 at Sutton Bank for more than two hours when a sudden heavy snow shower fell on the steep climb.

The road at Sutton Bank between Thirsk and Helmsley was completely blocked just before 5pm yesterday as cars lost control on a steep hairpin halfway down the slope above Sutton-under-Whitestonecliff in the unexpected snowfall.

Two cars overturned, and firefighters and ambulance crews worked with police to deal with the occupants of all seven cars.

One person was taken to hospital but their injuries were not believed to be serious. No-one was seriously injured but the unexpected weather made driving conditions hazardous between Thirsk and Scarborough.