Snow still affecting some schools

Many youngsters enjoyed a day off school because of the snow

A number of schools in the West remain closed after Thursday's heavy snowfall.

Out of the 173 Gloucestershire schools which were shut, more than 50 - mostly in the Cotswolds and the Forest of Dean - are still unable to reopen.

The problems include the suspension of some public transport services, heating breaking down and general health and safety concerns

In Wiltshire, nearly 50 schools were closed - at least three remain shut on Friday morning.

'Difficult forecast'

Andrew Turner from Gloucestershire Highways said gritters had been able to get out on the roads ahead of Thursday's snowfall, but that the oncoming situation was hard to predict.

"We have sleet and snow in Bristol working its way north to the Gloucestershire and Wiltshire area, it's difficult to say if it'll turn to snow or remain as rain.

"The forecast is that on higher ground, it's going to turn to snow, in the lower areas, it'll remain as rain.

"It's a difficult forecast. The advice is that the roads are treated but drive with care."

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