Snow storms close hundreds of schools after -9C arctic blast

A dog enjoys a spot of human-sledging in Whitley Bay, northern Tyneside (Picture: PA)

Days of disruption to travel and public services are expected as a wintry blast sets in across most of the UK.

Weather warnings for snow and ice are now in place everywhere except the South-East, Cumbria, the westernmost parts of Yorkshire and southern Scotland.

Hundreds of schools will remain closed on Tuesday, mainly in Wales and Scotland, where drifting snow and ice have left travel virtually impossible in northern areas.