HEAVY overnight snow has closed several schools and hampered motorists heading to East Lancashire today.

Several inches fell across the area and police warned drivers to stay off the roads because of the hazardous conditions.

Council gritters worked through the night to ensure all major roads remained open.

The approach to the M65 near Burnley was among the worst affected and drivers were urged to be extra careful.

The schools closed were Hawthorne Junior School, Blackburn, which was expected to reopen this afternoon; Priest School, Leamington Road, Blackburn; North Cliffe Special School, Great Harwood; Broadfield School Special School, Oswaldtwistle; White Ash Special School, Oswaldtwistle; Town House Special School, Nelson; Henden Brook School, Nelson; Gibfield School, Colne; Westway Special School, Burnley; Calderview Special School, Burnley; Primrose Hill Special School, Burnley; Barrowford Primary School, near Burnley; St Mary's, Bacup; St Saviour's, Bacup; Sharney Ford Primary School, Bacup; Balladen School, Rawtenstall; St James the Less, Rawtenstall; Stag Hills Nursery, Rawtenstall; Alder Grange Community and Technology School, Rawtenstall; Constable Leigh Primary School, Rawtenstall; St James, Haslingden; Leigh Brook School, Rossendale, and Marles Hill, Barrowford.

Weather experts predicted snow will persisting through much of the day and night.

Snow today will be heavy at times with drifting over hills and a maximum temperature of three degrees C. The wintry weather also looks set to continue through the weekend with more snow forecast.

A police spokesman said: "No roads are closed at the moment but with the continued snow we urge motorists to drive with extra care."