Schools remain closed after snow

More snow is forecast for Wednesday night into Thursday

Schools across north-west England are closed for a second day because of snow and ice.

The heavy snow falls on Tuesday have frozen, causing problems in Cumbria, Lancashire and Greater Manchester.

About 18 schools are shut in Lancashire, four in Greater Manchester and one in Cumbria.

Heavy snow is forecast again overnight on Wednesday. Police are warning drivers to care extra care on roads and only make necessary journeys.

Up to 4in (10cm) of snow fell on Monday night into Tuesday leading to hazardous driving conditions on roads.

Cars were abandoned in north Bury and East Lancashire as roads became gridlocked.

Conditions 'treacherous'

About 200 schools were affected by closures on Tuesday.

Although most have reopened, snow forecast overnight is expected to force further closures on Thursday.

Lancashire has been worst hit by the weather with 18 schools still closed and a handful already planning Thursday closures.

In Greater Manchester two schools in Oldham, one in Bolton and one in Moston remain shut.

In Cumbria, Rosley School near Wigton is still closed.

Police have issued warnings about driving in the bad weather.

Police have issued warning about driving in the snow and ice

Lancashire Police said drivers should make sure their cars had enough petrol for the journey - and were stocked with de-icer and warm clothing.

Inspector Phil Cottam, of the Lancashire police motorway unit, said: "Even routine journeys can spell disaster if you are caught out by bad weather.

"If the weather hits as predicted, road conditions could become treacherous."

Officers in Greater Manchester and Merseyside are warning drivers not to leave their cars running while they defrost them.

In Greater Manchester 20 thefts have been reported since Monday.

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