UK weather latest: Snow and ice warning as more than 80 forced to sleep in school overnight

A number of schools have been closed and sporting events cancelled due to the weather

Scores of people had to sleep in a school last night after snow and ice cut off a major road in south west England, creating treacherous driving conditions.

A 64-mile stretch of the A30 was shut down between Bodmin and Exeter as the “mini beast from the east” swept in leaving more than 80 people stranded.

Devon and Cornwall Police warned drivers to delay their journey until at least mid-morning as conditions changed suddenly from “passable to impossible” and advised them to use the A38 as an alternate route while services worked to clear the roads.

Those stranded were moved to a rest centre at Okehampton College at the north side of Dartmoor, where volunteers said they were in good spirits despite the situation.

Richard White, who was helping at the centre, said: "We first of all provide them with something hot to drink and we've got blankets, duvets.

"We make sure people get a good night's sleep, we feed them in the morning and weather-permitting, we prepare them to get back in their cars and on their way."

The A30 has since reopened.

Commuters have been warned that snow and ice may affect their morning drive on Monday as gritters and snow ploughs came out in force attempting to clear the roads.

There are also numerous disruptions to train services, so people have been warned to check their journey before travelling.

National Rail Enquiries has urged those travelling on South Western Railway and Great Western Railway, Heathrow Connect, Hull Trains, Island line and Northern to check before travelling as services may be hit by adverse weather.

On Sunday, ice led to delays and cancellations at Gatwick Airport - with 37 flights axed. Some flights have also been cancelled today.

"We apologise to all passengers who have been delayed or had flights cancelled tonight, this is due to the prolonged cold snap and the essential de-icing requirements which have mounted during the afternoon and evening," the airport said on Twitter.

Hundreds of children are also enjoying a day off as Devon County Council confirmed the closure of dozens of schools on Monday.

A number of sporting events were cancelled over the weekend, including the Reading Half Marathon.

Organisers only confirmed the cancellation of the event “with a heavy heart”, hours before it was due to begin, leaving many outraged at the lack of warning.

But some runners who had been due to take part in the 13.1 mile run decided to stage their own half marathon.

Despite health and safety warnings, around 100 runners took part in the unofficial event yesterday.

Yellow weather warnings for ice covering most of the country are in place until 10am.

The Met Office has warned that roads, pavements and cycle paths will be slippery, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries.

It also warned that further snow showers are likely in south-western and southern counties in England, easing off as the day goes on.

Met Office meteorologist John West said: "It's been a very, very cold night overnight with widespread frost. A lot of the lying snow seen across the country over the weekend has created some icy stretches this morning.

"In the South West, we've seen a constant flow of snow coming in from the English Channel with snow depths going up and up.

"In Exeter, we have at least 10cm (4in) of snow lying at the moment.

"Many routes towards Dartmoor and Exmoor have the potential to see a lot of disruption because of ice this morning."

Forecasters said the weather should improve as the day goes on, with much of the country seeing a “fine and dry” Monday, but warn it will stay very cold because of the wind chill.

Mr West added: "We're sort of closing the door to the cold easterly flow and temperatures will be less cold than we've seen over the weekend.

"We could see highs of 5C (41F) or 6C (43F) but add some wind chill on there and it won't feel very pleasant at all.

"However there will be some decent, fine weather, plenty of sunshine around today, particularly in northern parts, and a bit of an improvement from what we've seen over the weekend."

Though it will remain cold, temperatures are expected to rise, slowly, as the week goes on.

The Met Office has predicted unsettled conditions, with a mixture of sunny spells, rain and strong winds throughout the week across the country.

Agencies contributed to this report