by Anna White

awhite@thekmgroup.co.uk

People awoke to a winter wonderland this morning (Tuesday) after snow showers swept across Maidstone.

Central and rural parts of the town were treated to a light snow fall overnight.

Some distruption has been caused with motorists taking extra care on the roads and a handful of school closures, but compared to other parts of Kent, Maidstone seems to have escaped any major problems.

Closed schools and nurseries include Mid Kent College, in Oakwood Park, Tia's Little Stars, in Barming, Mrs B's Day Centre and Pre School in West Maling ane Clever Clown's Nursery in Hillary Road, Penenden Heath.

Maidstone Grammar School for Girls, Buckland Road, is closed to Years 7 to 9 but is open to Years 10 to 13.

Southeastern trains across Kent have been affected by the severe weather. Services between Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells are currently delayed by 40 minutes.

Last night, about 100 commuters on the 11.07 train from London Victoria to Borough Green, were left stranded in West Malling for more than two hours.

The carriages had to stop because of the icy conditions. Passengers continued to their destinations on buses.

A spokeswoman for Network Rail said: "Buses were ordered to enable passengers to continue their journeys. Due to the icy road conditions these took a while to arrive.

"We endeavoured to arrange for people to get home as quickly as possible – but realise that for many of them it took much longer than usual."

Arriva buses have said all services in Maidstone are running as normal at present except 155, which is unable to serve Burham and Wouldham.

The 333 and 334 are also unable to serve Detling village.

More snow showers are forecasted for the rest of today and at the end of the week.

To keep up to date on any disruption to council services, you can also check Maidstone council's website at http://www.maidstone.gov.uk/

Have you taken any snaps of the snow? Send them in to us at messengernews@thekmgroup.co.uk and add your comments below.

And for all you need to know about coping with the snow, including school clsoures, see our special report.