“It’s hardly Alaska”: Frustrated - and hardy - commuters hit out after frosty conditions led to long rush-hour delays across the tram network this morning.

Trams serving Altrincham, Ashton-under-Lyne, East Didsbury and Manchester Airport were affected by the delays, which were due to “severe weather conditions”.

It is believed ice on the overhead lines was behind the “severe” delays and Altrincham commuters were redirected to the 263 city-bound bus service.

Metrolink apologised for the inconvenience on its Twitter page but travellers blasted the travel operator for the delays - and some throwing in a joke or two about the "severe weather" explanation.

 Many of the lines are now back to normal but minor delays remain on the Altrincham and East Didsbury lines.  The 263 bus is no longer accepting tram tickets.