MANY of Dorset's schools are closed today as the 'beast from the east' and Storm Emma bring snowfall to the county.

However, those that have remained open for their pupils are offering the unusual combination of snow-covered playing fields - and book-themed fancy dress.

The adverse weather has coincided with World Book Day, and pupils who were able to get to school have refused to let the county's worst snowstorm in years stop them from dressing up as their favourite literary characters.

Peter Herbert, head of Moordown St John's in Bournemouth, is dressed as Albus Dumbledore for World Book Day.

Staff who arrived at the school early built a snowman and dressed it in a school jumper before delighted students arrived.

"Every school must conduct its own risk assessment," he said.

"The risk assessment we conducted didn't warrant the closure of the school.

"Life goes on, doesn't it? If we'd felt it was unsafe for staff or pupils and their families, it would have been different, and the situation may change later."

The headteacher of Christchurch Junior School, Simon Adorian, also made the decision that the school should stay open.

"Most of our students made it in," he said.

"About 99 per cent of our pupils live within a mile of the school, and many within half a mile.

"Our heating is working, and as long as it's safe, we can open.

"We are a very local school, and so that does make it more of an easy option for us."

Youngsters at St James' C of E Primary School in Pokesdown danced to Vanilla Ice in their snowy playground at break time.

Vice principal Ally Brown said: "It was 100 per cent the right decision to open the school today.

"It's World Book Day, so everyone's dressed up, and we've just made the most of it.

"The Treehouse Theatre Company put on a free workshop for us because the schools that had booked them were closed."

He said staff and pupils were "having a brilliant day".

"We had Frozen playing when pupils arrived, so they were singing Let It Go and Do You Want To Build A Snowman," he said.

"It's been absolutely great."

Officials from Dorset County Council decided to cancel all day centre transport, SEND and school buses and taxis today, leading to many school closures.

Transport will also be cancelled tomorrow.

Schools across Dorset are likely to remain closed tomorrow as the weather worsens.