Ice continues to cause disruption

Manchester, Liverpool and Blackpool airports are all open

Drivers and passengers on public transport are being warned of further disruption as the freezing conditions continue across the north west.

The temperature plunged to -16C overnight turning residual snow on many roads and pavements to ice.

Hundreds of schools remain closed across the region, giving tens of thousands of children another day off.

Paul Watters from the AA warned motorists that the grit may not work in the freezing temperatures.

"The grit may not be as effective as drivers think, below -9C it doesn't work at all, below -5C it is not as effective, so even on a busy route it may still be icy," he added.

Emergency supplies of grit are being brought in to treat roads in Blackburn and Darwen, in Lancashire after the local council ran out.

Before the winter, the authority said it had stocked 500 tonnes more than last year.

However with more freezing temperatures forecast, we're certainly not out of the woods yet

Dr Julie Higgins, Director of Public Health for NHS Salford

The region's airports, Liverpool John Lennon, Blackpool and Manchester International are all open, but there could be some delays, so passengers are being advised to check with their airlines.

Flights at Liverpool John Lennon were cancelled on Wednesday evening, but operators are currently working through the backlog.

Manchester's regional transport authority, GMPTE, said passengers should expect further disruptions services on Thursday, particularly on buses.

Rail services are running as normal, but the region's buses are still experiencing disruptions. Many operators have said they are checking the state of the roads before putting buses out and many are only travelling along the main routes.

Passengers are urged to check websites for the latest advice

All passengers are being advised to check with websites for the companies.

Hospitals across the region have not reported any major problems, but one health authority - NHS Salford - warned the freezing temperatures could still present a problem.

Dr Julie Higgins, Director of Public Health for NHS Salford, said: "The outstanding dedication of frontline staff has meant services have been delivered to an almost normal level.

"However with more freezing temperatures forecast, we're certainly not out of the woods yet."

BBC North West weather presenter Dianne Oxberry said there would be further wintry showers over the next few days, but mainly on higher ground.

Inland rural areas could see temperatures as low as -10C, she added, leading to ice on untreated surfaces and "hugely slippery" conditions.