THE FIRST proper snowfall of the year resulted in the closure of two schools and chaos across the roads of East Lancashire.

But despite long delays and heavy traffic in much of the county, some of our readers still found the time to send us a selection of their photographs.

Newfield School on Old Bank Lane in Blackburn and Green Haworth Church of England Primary School in Accrington were both unable to open their doors as headmasters announced their closures.

A spokesman for Newfield School said: "Snow has fallen extensively overnight and covered the site, which has then frozen over.

"The site team have been working since very early trying to clear the site, but it is not clear enough to be safe for pupils to come in."

Several minor accidents also caused the temporary closure of the M65 eastbound at junction six, Tong Lane in Bacup and St Mary's Way in Rawtenstall.

Haslingden Old Road was also closed off for over an hour on Wednesday morning to allow for gritting to take place.

All of these accidents had a knock-on effect on roads around the county as widespread delays were experienced.

PSCO Chris Hamer, who was on duty yesterday, said: "I'm up and out early gritting the road so an ambulance could get up the hill to a patient. Most roads are like glass and the road network has buckled, virtually everywhere is gridlocked in Rossendale.”

A yellow weather warning for ice remained in place last night, with the Met Office warning that there could be further snow and ice over the coming days.

A spokesman said: “Icy stretches on some untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths may lead to longer journey times.

“There is also the risk of some injuries from slips and falls on some icy surfaces.”

But by Friday the weather warning is expected to lift, with temperatures predicted to rise to as high a nine degrees.

A spokesman added: “The outlook for Friday and Saturday is cloudy, damp and breezy, but slightly milder. There may be heavy rain on Saturday morning clearing to leave colder, windier but mostly fine weather for the rest of the weekend.”