UK weather: Snowy scenes across the UK

Snowfall is causing disruption across parts of the UK as very cold air sweeps in from Russia.

Some people, though, have found ways to enjoy the freezing conditions.

The UK is experiencing what is expected to be the coldest week of the winter. This elephant fountain in Colchester froze when temperatures fell below zero

Brave visitors to Cambridge on Monday weren't deterred from punting on the River Cam

Hundreds of schools closed, giving many children a day off

Some, like these beside Rochester Castle in Kent, took the opportunity to go sledging

Walkers braved the cold on Scarborough's snow-covered beach on Tuesday

Chester Zoo closed its doors due to fears for the animals' welfare, but these cattle in Denby Dale seem unfazed by the cold

Motorists are being urged to take extra care and in the worst affected areas, only travel if absolutely necessary

Rail passengers were affected by hundreds of train cancellations

An amber weather warning - meaning there's a risk to life and property - was in place for some areas of the country

Less severe yellow warnings were in place across a much wider area thanks to the so-called "Beast from the East"

Fields were covered with thick snow in Thirsk, North Yorkshire

St Paul's Cathedral was barely visible as heavy snow showers reached central London

The flurry left London's Green Park under a blanket of snow

All photographs are copyrighted.