INSTEAD of another normal day in the classroom, lots of children were outside making snowmen on Tuesday as the majority of schools in Devon and Cornwall were forced to close after overnight heavy snow and ice made driving conditions treacherous across the two counties.

On Tuesday, over 100 of Cornwall's 274 schools and more than 30 in Devon were closed. In the 'Post' area, these included: Callington Primary; Boyton; Blisland; Otterham; St Minver; Delabole; Warbstow; St Tudy; St Mabyn; Broadwoodwidger; St Teath; St Breward; Shebbear; Jac­ob­stow; St Cleer; North Petherwin; Clawton; Altarnun; South Petherwin; Upton Cross; Trekenner; Bradford; Tintagel; Harrowbarrow; Pyworthy; Tregadillett; Holsworthy; St Catherine's (Launceston); Gunnislake; Stoke Climsland; Bude Junior; Whitstone; Pensilva; Bude Infant; St Stephens (Launceston); Port Isaac; Marhamchurch; Lewannick; Boscastle; Camelford; Hartland School and Pre-School; Milton Abbot; Hols­worthy Community College; Launceston College; Sir James Smith's School in Camelford, Budehaven School. St Kew Primary School and Calstock CP School The number more than doubled on Wednesday.

A number of roads were also closed, including the A39 at Kilkhampton as a result of ice and snow and an accident between West Street and the B3248. The A390 Callington to Tavistock was reportedly at a standstill on Tuesday morning due to sheet ice. All the First bus services in the Bude area were suspended due to snow.

Police advised motorists to consider whether their journey was necessary in view of the driving conditions across the region. If people needed to venture out, they were urged to take warm clothing and blankets in case of a break-down, or if they became stuck.

Devon County Council reassured residents that grit bins were being refilled as quickly as possible. The county's 1,550 grit bins were restocked with around 400 tonnes of salt to enable communities to salt roads and pavements that the council could not treat.

Cllr Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation, said: "We are experiencing extremely high demand on all of our winter maintenance services, and although the main focus is on salting our primary and secondary routes and town centres, grit bins are also being constantly re-filled right across Devon.

LIMITED SALT

"In some areas the bins are emptying as quickly as we're filling them so we're working hard to make sure that the salt is on hand for self-help. It's there to be used but not much salt is needed to do the job so when people help themselves to the salt, please think of others who might want to use it as well."

Cornwall Council gritting lorries were also out in force. Simon Deacon, Highways Operations Manager for the council, said: "Public safety is of paramount concern and we do everything we can to provide as safe a passage as possible for people who use our roads. However it is vital that people do not assume that a road has been salted and we would urge drivers to ensure that they drive according to the road conditions."

Driving conditions were really bad in Launceston on Tuesday, with many minor accidents and people leaving their cars after becoming stuck.

The Met Office forecast further sleet or snow showers overnight on Tuesday for the South West, with a frost returning. Wednesday was expected to slowly become brighter as the wintry showers cleared.

The cold weather conditions look set to continue for another week or two and Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service are warning people of the extreme dangers of frozen ponds, lakes and rivers.

During this cold spell a frozen water surface may look enticing as a skating opportunity, but can prove deadly. Children are often most at risk as they frequently see an attraction to playing on ice, so the dangers of this activity will need to be explained to them.

Pet owners also need to be aware of the potential hazard especially when throwing sticks or balls. A dog can just as easily fall through thin ice or become stranded; which can often lead to people risking their own lives to reach them or children endangering themselves to rescue their pet.

Service Specialist Rescue Advisor, Station Manager, Matt Johnson: "Earlier today I attended an incident where a Jack Russell dog had fallen through ice on a frozen pond within the grounds of a private house near Moretonhampstead. Crews from Bovey Tracey, Moretonhampstead and Camels Head Specialist Rescue Team also attended.

"The dog was recovered from the centre of the pond using an inflatable boat from the Specialist Rescue Appliance and crews worn protective dry suits, buoyancy aids and thermal under-suits. Unfortunately due to the extreme cold the dog had drowned, so I would like to warn dog owners and parents to take extra care during this cold weather to prevent their pets and children going onto frozen water as although ice may look thick and strong, it may not bear even a light weight and people often under-estimate how quickly very cold water will kill.

"People should also be warned not to enter water to rescue their pets as cold water incapacitates instantly and the cold temperature quickly paralyses even the strongest of swimmers.