Thousands of youngsters had an additional day off school today as dozens of Medway schools closed.

Last night's heavy snow and plunging temperatures left uungritted side roads and pavements in a treacherous condition leading to many head teachers taking the decision that it was safer not to open.

Bus operator Arriva stopped its services last night but was running again on main roads this morning.

However, bosses were advising passengers to think about their return trip as buses may be stopped if more snow falls.

Glen Shuttleworth, manager of the Gillingham depot, said: “Our buses were running on main routes only on Thursday morning but if more snow comes we may have to review this.
“I need people to think about their whole journey, we can probably get them to work, but we can’t guarantee we can get them home again as buses may not run all day.”

Nu-Venture buses stayed on the road last night but journeys were taking up to two hours longer than usual. Boss Norman Kemp said: "Some key roads in Kent and Medway either closed or virtually impassable."

Southeastern trains continued to run a limited timetable.