Swathes of schools closed and trains were scrapped after heavy snowfall in Gravesend and Dartford.

Flakes fell from Friday with the worst of the weather hitting the towns on Saturday night. It continued throughout Sunday leading to troubles this morning.

Many trains were unable to take the strain with Southeastern saying: "Despite Network Rail’s best efforts overnight to clear the tracks, ice on the conductor rail is causing problems for services on some routes.

"We’re dependent on the rails being cleared to run a train service for customers. We apologise to anyone caught up in delays and thank them for their patience"

Additional Southeastern staff were brought in to clear snow from platforms and stairs at stations.

In Gravesend, 15 schools are currently closed while a further 17 are shut in Dartford.

The white stuff was the right stuff for children though who happily wrapped up and headed for the slopes on their sledges on Sunday.

Seen here are Jessica, six, and Neve Kavanah-Early, one, enjoying the snow in Northfleet.

Temperatures will fail to peak much above zero today and gritter lorries are ensuring the main roads are clear.

There are no reported accidents on the first day back to work.

The latest forecast from the Met Office promises an end to the snow though further flurries are expected today.

Temperatures could plummet to -4 degrees by the end of the week.