Heavy snow has closed many schools in Ashford and made getting to work a major struggle this morning.

Around 4 to 6 inches of snow made many side and country roads impassable and caused severe delays on public transport, with trains cancelled.

This snow-covered scene in High Knocke, Dymchurch (right) was typical.

The snow started settling late yesterday afternoon and was falling heavily again this morning, with more snow predicted during the day today.

The M20 coastbound at junction 11A was closed shortly after midnight due to the severe weather conditions. The exit slip remains closed at present.

Kentish Express news editor Alastair Irvine drove down to Ashford from Bromley early this morning and found the going tough on the M20.

He said: "It was such a contrast. There was no snow to speak of until a couple of miles after the Lenham services, then it started getting really icy.

"I passed two snowploughs, working in tandem to clear snow and ice from the two outside lanes.

"The snow had compacted on the inside lane and it was like driving over a cobbled street. I was doing 20mph most of the way. It took nearly an hour from the services to Ashford town centre, a journey that would normally only take about 20 minutes."

Further snow is forecast this morning, and police are reminding people to stay vigilant and be aware that the freezing temperatures will make road conditions difficult.

Police advice is for people in the East and South of Kent not to travel unless absolutely necessary.

And if you have to travel check before setting out to establish road conditions and any delays. This can be done by going to the Kent Police website or the Highways Agency’s site, and by listening in to kmfm and television bulletins for the latest news on conditions.

For information about road conditions on motorways and trunk roads, check the Highway Agency website at http://www.highways.gov.uk/ and http://www.kent.police.uk/

For information on weather conditions, visit the Met Office website at http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/