Icy weather closes Derbyshire stately homes

Two stately homes in Derbyshire have been forced to close this weekend because of the weather.

Christmas celebrations planned for Sudbury Hall - which houses the Museum of Childhood - and Hardwick Hall have been cancelled.

A spokesperson for the National Trust, which own the properties, said surrounding roads were too icy making it unsafe for visitors.

It is not yet known when the properties will re-open.

Lesley Law, property manager at Sudbury Hall, said: "We're disappointed to have to cancel our Christmas weekend but the weather conditions at the property remain unsafe due to all the snow and ice.

"We hope to welcome visitors the following weekend if the weather has improved."