EMERGENCY shelters have opened this evening as police focus their efforts on helping stranded motorists in Basingstoke.

The United Reformed Church in London Street has opened its doors to provide refreshments to motorists trapped in traffic jams in the town by the snow and ice.

Hatch Warren Community Centre, in Longcross Lane, Hatch Warren, and the Methodist Church, in Vivian Road, Oakridge, also opened their doors.

Hotels in the town have also taken in motorists who have abandoned their cars and given up on their journey home.

Extra police officers have now been sent to Basingstoke to accompany gritting lorries, in a bid to free the motorists.

Fresh gritting is also being carried out on the A339, which has seen the worst of the congestion.

Police warn the severe delays are set to continue for the next 12 to 18 hours.

If you have any snow pictures or stories, then contact the newsdesk on 01256 337444 or email newsdesk@basingstokegazette.co.uk.