UK commuters struggle after blizzards

Post-Christmas commuters struggled back to work yesterday as eastern England was gripped by a second day of snow and freezing temperatures.

Rail services were disrupted and motorists warned to stay at home unless their journeys were strictly necessary after another night of heavy snowfalls made transport conditions treacherous.

Worst hit was east Kent with up to 18 centimetres of snow, the Met. Office said.

In the heart of the county, the picturesque village of Biddenden was carpeted in thick snow with drivers forced to slow to a crawl on the icy roads. Walking the dog and building a snowman proved more popular options.

"It is very difficult to get out and about in this snow," said a spokesman for the Met Office.

"All the way up the eastern side of England they have had up to 10 centimetres of snow. Wintery showers are to continue throughout tonight and tomorrow."

Temperatures plummeted to as low as minus seven centigrade overnight and motoring organisations urged commuters heading back to work to allow plenty of time for their journeys.