Bristol International Airport opens after snow

The first flights took off just before 1500 GMT

Bristol International Airport has reopened after heavy overnight snow led to dozens of cancellations.

Crews spent much of Wednesday morning clearing snow and de-icing the runway with the first plane leaving just before 1500 GMT.

An airport spokeswoman said passengers should check with their tour operators.

"A knock-on of the cancellations means many of the planes and crew aren't in the right place - and this problem will last for a few days," she added.

More information about departures and arrivals at Bristol International can be found on the airport's website.

Schools closed

The Flyer coach service between Bristol International Airport and Bristol has started running again after it was suspended earlier.

Passengers are also being warned of delays on roads to the airport.

The snow led to about 80 schools in the city being shut on Wednesday and it remains unclear whether any will reopen on Thursday.

North Somerset, Bath and North East Somerset, and South Gloucestershire councils have said all their schools will be closed on Thursday.

Many First Bus services in Bristol, Bath and Somerset were suspended earlier on Wednesday.

'Amended timetable'

The company says it is now operating a limited service and advised customers to check which buses are running on its website.

None of Bristol's park-and-ride services are currently operating and Wessex Connect services have been cancelled.

First Great Western said it is running an amended timetable on some routes and that passengers should check with National Rail Enquiries before travelling.

Meanwhile, athletes who have been taking part in the first ParalympicsGB preparation camp at the University of Bath have been left stranded by the severe weather.

The university itself is closed but some staff have remained on site to make sure the athletes are provided for.