THE Forest was hit by the biggest snowstorm of the winter so far on Tuesday, forcing the closure of all schools, cancellation of buses and town centre chaos (pictured: Lydney).

Hills around Blakeney, Coleford and Cinderford were left impassable and villages like Bream and St Briavels cut off. Cars were left abandoned throughout the Dean as drivers were caught out by heavy snow falling on already icy roads.

Forecasters warn parts of Gloucestershire should brace itself for: "the biggest snow storm of the winter so far" with falls of between 15 and 20 cms expected widely, causing disruption to transport and power systems throughout the rest of this week and at the weekend.

Gloucestershire County Council confirmed it has enough stock of salt to last six more days, if used at the going rate of 200 tonnes a day to keep the main routes gritted. A spokesman said they were "optimistic" about being resupplied in time.