DORSET and the New Forest returned to normal yesterday as the snow melted and most schools re-opened their doors to pupils.

Despite icy patches there were no major hold-ups on the roads.

But now residents are bracing themselves for possible further disruption over the next few days.

Earlier this week forecasters predicted more snow would fall from Friday onwards, but now they don’t seem so sure.

Three forecasts checked yesterday painted three different pictures. Although one predicted snow showers tomorrow, one said it will rain while the other said to expect drizzle.

But they were all agreed on one thing – it’s going to be cold, with temperatures plunging to as low as minus 2C.

Just one Bournemouth school, St Clement’s and St John’s in Boscombe, was closed yesterday but that was because the heating had broken down.

A number of pupils could not get to school in North Dorset because bus services were not running but only Yewstock Special School, in Sturminster Newton, was shut.

AA spokesman Pete Barnao said: “Motorists should keep warm clothing in their cars and keep an eye on their local weather forecasts as conditions are very changeable and difficult to predict.

“If conditions deteriorate, people should only travel when essential and drive with extra care, remembering that stopping distances in icy conditions can be up to 10 times longer than normal. Also brake gently,” he advised.

“Drivers should avoid country roads and stick to major road where possible which are more likely to be gritted.”

But it hasn’t all been bad, as your pictures of snowy scenes, snowmen and tobogganing around the region prove.