Motorists in the UK have had to battle with hazardous conditions on the roads as the widest-spread November snowfall for 17 years gripped the country.

Parts of the UK were blanketed in white as many woke to wintry scenes and freezing temperatures following a bitterly cold night.

The Met Office issued severe weather warnings, flagging up drifting snow for the eastern side of the country as well as parts of Wales and Northern Ireland, while North Yorkshire County Council said six village primary schools were forced to close.

Worst-hit were the Scottish Highlands, with up to 8in (20cm) of snow forecast to settle in Grampian - along with Yorkshire, north east England and East Anglia.

But the rest of Britain did not escape unscathed and snow ploughs and gritters were out in force.

A heavy dump of snow caused havoc for commuters in north east Scotland and northern England where up to to 4ins (10cm) had settled.

Drivers also struggled on the North York Moors, which have been hit by bad weather and sub-zero temperatures.

The AA reported a dramatic surge in breakdowns and had received 3,000 call-outs by 9.30am on Thursday, largely in the northern and eastern areas.

Spokesman Gavin Hill-Smith said: "We are expecting another busy day and a particularly hazardous commute for people this evening.

"People should try and stick to the main routes where possible and, when they can, avoid the more rural roads where black ice can be particularly treacherous."