DRIVERS in East Lancashire are counting the cost of the snow and ice with hundreds of minor accidents reported.

One bodywork business said that they were five times as busy as normal repairing bumps and scratches.

Peter Weddle, director, from Fix Auto in Blackburn, formerly Gillibrand’s, said his teams had been very busy.

He said: “We have seen dozens of cars so far this week, a massive increase, which is due to accidents caused by the weather.

“There have been all sorts of accidents, from those that need repairs to the bodywork to those that have even broken an axle.

“There will be many more drivers who have had a bump but have left the car at home until the weather improves.

"We could see another huge rise when there is a thaw.”