Schools and roads shut as fresh ice warning issued

More than half a dozen schools were shut in Staffordshire on Thursday. Pic is Endon in the Staffordshire Moorlands

A section of an A road was "just passable" on Thursday, after being shut overnight due to snow and icy conditions.

The A53 between Upper Hulme and Flash in the Staffordshire Moorlands was closed, before reopening just before 08:00 GMT, as cold weather continues to affect the country.

More than half a dozen schools in and around Longnor and Leek were shut on Thursday, according to the county council's website.

Fresh weather warnings for ice overnight have been issued with wintry showers and travel disruption possible as temperatures plummet again.

Churnet View Middle School, Hollinsclough CE Academy, St. Bartholomew's CE(VC) Primary School in Longnor, St. Edward's Cof E Academy in Leek, St. Leonard's CE(VA) First School, The Meadows Special School and Westwood First School were closed on Thursday.

Samuel Allsopp Primary and Nursery School was shut for some children, while those in Year 6 have been redirected to its Victoria Road site.

Westwood College was described as closed, although Year 13 exams would take place as planned, Staffordshire County Council said.

Endon in the Staffordshire Moorlands has been among the places affected this week