Snowy and freezing weather may be causing havoc on the roads, but it is proving good news for fans of winter sports in Cumbria.

The cold snap has sent skiers and snowboarders flocking to Yad Moss, near Alston.

Enthusiasts have been travelling from as far away as Wales and Manchester to take advantage of the snowy slopes.

And Carlisle Ski Club, who run the ski lift at Yad Moss, say the skiing is currently better than in Scotland.

Skiers are coming from miles around because the conditions are so good Andrew Hetherington, Carlisle Ski Club

Gerard Unthank, from the ski club, told BBC Radio Cumbria they were enjoying the best conditions for years.

"On a day like this with lots of sunshine and blue skies we can get up to 200 people on the slope." he said.

"There are more snowboarders than there used to be. Snowboarding has become exceedingly popular."

"We get phonecalls from as far away as Manchester, Huddersfield and all over the North East.

"It is quite surprising how far people are prepared to travel to get days skiing.

"At the moment, from what we can gather, there is better skiing here than in the Scottish skiing areas."

Growing popularity

Andrew Hetherington, from the club, said it was a good skiing environment.

"We probably get a much snow as Scotland, but what makes it better is the lack of rocks on the hillside.

"Skiers are coming from miles around because the conditions are so good... and the popularity is growing.

"You couldn't ask for better weather. It's sunny and snowy."