Thanet ground to a halt on Saturday as it was blanketed with snow again.

Although the severe weather had been forecast, the amount of snow that fell took everyone by surprise. One reader reported almost three inches in 20 minutes.

Scores of Christmas events were cancelled as people struggled to negotiate their way around the isle in treacherous conditions.

But organisers of a Christmas celebration in Westgate – which was cancelled because of snow a couple of weeks ago – made a brave effort to add some festive cheer to the hardy souls who ventured out.