No Let Up In Cold Snap

Dipping temperatures across the country are continuing to cause havoc, as some regions experience icy conditions of -18C.

Thousands of schools on mainland Britain have been shut, while many roads remain impassible.

There has been greater movement at airports, but significant delays are still being experienced by domestic and international passengers.

Glasgow, Luton, Birmingham and Cardiff airports have reopened, however, carrier EasyJet cancelled 70 flights this morning. BA has also halted some scheduled flights.

Most train services are still affected, with forecasters predicting several more days of snow fall and sub-zero climes.

Virgin Trains has cancelled several services between London and both Manchester and Birmingham.

South West Trains and Chiltern Railways said they expected normal service to resume soon.

Around 4,000 homes in Hampshire, Surrey, Oxfordshire and Berkshire lost power last night.

Local authorities are believed to be limiting the number of roads being gritted as salt supplies reportedly dwindle.

However, the Local Government Association insisted reserves are "holding up".

Head teachers have come under criticism from the Federation of Small Business over their readiness to close schools.

Over 10,000 schools have shut their doors in recent days forcing working parent to either find alternative child care or take absence from work.

(PR/BMcC)