MOTORISTS across Wiltshire were warned by police after the county woke up to a surprise blanket of snow.

The icy conditions - which came well into March and with the worst of the winter supposedly behind us - caught many by surprise, despite yellow weather warnings being issued by the Met Office. 

National Highways issued a severe weather alert across much of southern and south west England ahead of the snowfall on Wednesday morning.

Thousands of pupils and students were able to enjoy a day at home after  schools and colleges across Wiltshire and Swindon were forced to close their doors.

With staff and students unable to get to the sites safely, the day off meant many people were able to go out and enjoy the wintry wonderland with their families.

Some were seen having snowball fights, while others created snow sculptures in parks and gardens, or went tobogganing on nearby hills and slopes.

Wiltshire Times: Keen skateboarders clear the snow off their ramps in readiness for a day skateboarding. Photo: Trevor Porter 69680-7Keen skateboarders clear the snow off their ramps in readiness for a day skateboarding. Photo: Trevor Porter 69680-7 (Image: Trevor Porter)

Keen skateboarders cleared the snow off their ramps, while dog owners took advantage of the snow scenes to walk their pets.

Wiltshire Times: One man was walking his dog in the snow alongside the Kennet & Avon Canal. Photo: Trevor Porter 69680-9One man was walking his dog in the snow alongside the Kennet & Avon Canal. Photo: Trevor Porter 69680-9 (Image: Trevor Porter)

Events were postponed or cancelled by organisers as the snow disrupted travel plans for many people.

Council workers and community emergency volunteers were seen out and about clearing footpaths for pedestrians.

Wiltshire Times: A workers is up early to clear paths at Wiltshire Council's offices. Photo: Trevor Porter 69680-6A workers is up early to clear paths at Wiltshire Council's offices. Photo: Trevor Porter 69680-6 (Image: Trevor Porter)

The Met Office also issued Amber weather warnings for parts of the country further north on Thursday and Friday, saying: “Heavy snow has the potential to cause disruption”.

It warned of possible travel delays on roads, stranding some vehicles and passengers, and possible delays or cancellations to rail and air travel.

Wiltshire Police's Roads Policing Unit urged motorists on Wednesday only to travel "if absolutely necessary", saying they had already dealt with several stranded cars and crashes across the county.

HGV drivers were asked to avoid parts of the road network with steeper than normal inclines.