Schools and roads close as snowfall arrives

Several schools in Dorset have closed and roads and bus services have been disrupted, following widespread snowfall.

The schools closed include Charmouth Primary School in Charmouth, Thomas Hardye School, Dorchester, and Sir John Colfox Academy in Bridport.

Dorset Police said many routes were impassable and vehicles had become stranded on roads including the A35 trying to go up the hills in the Winterborne Abbas area.

The force has urged drivers to please only make essential journeys and if you need to go out.

Posting on its website, Greenford CE Primary School in Dorchester said it had made the decision to close for the day "due to the rapid change in weather conditions".

The school said its staff were unable to safely travel to the school.

The Prince of Wales School in Maiden Castle Road, Dorchester said it had managed to stay open despite the snow as many of its staff were able to walk in.

Headteacher Gary Spracklen said the school planned to turn the snowy day into an "exciting learning opportunity, with a curriculum tailored to embrace the unique conditions."

Bus operator First Dorset said it had abandoned a number of its school services due to the current snow and more forecast.

In a statement the bus firm said: "Buses are turning around and returning students to their homes as there will be no service tonight."

Morebus which runs bus services across Bournemouth, Poole, Ringwood, Blandford, Wimborne and Swanage said it had been forced to suspend services "until the roads become driveable again".

A yellow warning for ice and snow has been issued by the Met Office.

The warning is in place for the south and south west England until 15:00 GMT.

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