THE county saw another early dusting of snow today as icy temperatures and freezing fog patches returned.

THE county saw another early dusting of snow today as icy temperatures and freezing fog patches returned.

Police again warned drivers to take extra care as more snow fell in the west of the county before sweeping eastward and bringing freezing temperatures.

All roads remained passable but some of the smaller county roads were covered by a sudden snowy deluge, and motorists facing difficult driving conditions were advised to plan any lengthy journeys before setting off.

Despite severe weather warnings and the threat of a continued chill, the people of Suffolk have been making the most of the heaviest snowfall seen in the county in nearly 20 years.

Thanks to cold temperatures, happy-looking snowmen have been standing strong since the first flurry of snow last week. In the village of Kirton, Star reader Steve Jacobs captured a family patiently waiting for a bus.

Showers of rain, sleet or snow are likely to clear gradually today but skies will remain ominously cold and grey with icy winds and freezing fog.

A few bright or sunny intervals are expected later but frost and ice will ensure temperatures don't go above zero.

Last night Suffolk avoided the worst of the weather for the first time since the recent snowy spell began but elsewhere travellers faced continued disruption as many roads in the Home Counties became gridlocked, with London and the South East worst hit for vehicle breakdowns.

The AA reported one of its busiest days on record, dealing with more than 20,000 breakdowns by the end of the night - more than twice the normal level.

Drivers in Basingstoke and the surrounding area were forced to spend several hours in their cars after being brought to a standstill by yesterday's heavy snowfalls.

Hampshire Police said at the height of the gridlock in Basingstoke last night, around 2,000 motorists were stuck in traffic.

Overnight, in Essex, police dealt with more than 220 calls to weather-related incidents with a total of 50 collisions reported, mostly within the space of four hours.

Budget airline easyJet said scores of flights to and from Luton, Gatwick, Stansted, Glasgow and Edinburgh would be cancelled this morning and on the trains, Eurostar resumed a restricted service after three days of chaos which left thousands trapped onboard trains in the Channel Tunnel.