WINTRY weather closed over 40 schools and made many roads impassable in the Forest and Wye Valley.

The snow started falling on Monday and by lunchtime many children had been sent home from school as teachers became increasingly concerned about getting them home safely.

A spokesman from Gloucestershire County Council said schools would be making their own decisions about when to reopen.

Meanwhile excited children have been making the most of their free time, building snowmen, sledging and snowball fighting.

More snow fell overnight and the Forest woke on Tuesday to a covering of snow which had frozen in many areas making roads treacherous.

A statement from Gloucestershire Highways said: "The worst hit area on Tuesday morning was the Forest which experienced some snow, but with salt and traffic, roads in the Forest are now clear."

However the minor routes were not treated and in these areas the covering of snow had frozen creating hazardous driving conditions.

Coleford and St Briavels were particularly badly hit, as were many villages on the hills and in more rural locations.

Some refuse collections in the Forest were cancelled on Tuesday and will be collected next week on a double collection on Tuesday, February 10.

The Great Western Ambulance Service said many routine and non essential journeys would be cancelled.

A spokesman said: "Great Western Ambulance Service is currently attempting to contact as many patients as possible either directly or via the hospitals.

"Unfortunately we may not be able to get in touch with every patient so if people are due to be collected today by the GWAS Patient Transport Service then we would urge them to contact the hospital department to check if they are still expected."

The Forest council was running a skeleton staff service during the severe weather conditions.

More light snow showers are expected on Thursday and Saturday with intervals of sunshine on Friday. Temperatures are expected to dip below zero overnight on Saturday.

The police are advising people to drive carefully. Inspector David Collicott of Gloucestershire Police said: "The snow and cold weather is expected to last for several more days, and as such we advise residents to only travel if their journey is really necessary.

"If you must drive during this weather then it is very important to be prepared for adverse road conditions.

"Always allow extra time for your journey; to prepare your vehicle and to allow for slower travelling speeds and delays.

"Trying to reach a destination within a tight time-scale increases stress and the potential for an incident."

Drivers are asked to check petrol, oil, water, electrics, tyres and inspect their car for damage before driving.