NEARLY every school in Gloucestershire has closed due to heavy snowfall overnight in the county.

The weather has created treacherous driving conditions on the roads and snow is continuing to fall in some areas.

Out of 308 schools in the county, so far 296 have announced they will be closed today.

Every school in the Berkeley Vale is closed and nearly every school in the Dursley and Wotton area have closed as well.

Gloucestershire Police and the county highways teams are advising people not to travel unless the journey is absolutely necessary.

Public transport has almost ground to a halt with very few bus services still running and limited trains are moving. Those hoping to travel are advised to check if their service is running before leaving the house.

Gloucestershire County Council said they are trying to keep the county moving. They sent out snow ploughs overnight and 34 teams of gritters to help prevent ice forming.

The council is also urging people to be a good neighbour during the bad weather and look out for the elderly and vulnerable.

A spokesman for the authority said: “Be a good neighbour and as the cold weather sets in remember to check that older and vulnerable people in our communities are safe and well. “Our Village Agents will be getting out and about more than usual, checking people are comfortable, warm and well supplied with food and drink.

“If you have any concerns about an older or vulnerable person, contact the county council's Adult Helpdesk on 01452 426868. Get more information at: www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/keepwarm”

Schools that have announced they are closed: Berkeley Primary School Blue Coat Primary School, Wotton Cam Everlands Primary School Cam Hopton Primary School Cam House School Cam Woodfield Infant, Juniors and Pre-School Dursley Primary School Hillesley Primary School Katharine Lady Berkeley’s School, Wotton Kingswood Primary School North Nibley Primary School Rednock School, Dursley Sharpness Primary School Slimbridge Primary School Stone with Woodford Primary School The British School, Wotton Uley Primary School Vale of Berkeley College