Gritting lorries were today gearing up for another night on the roads of south Essex as weathermen predict more snow and ice.

County council gritters were out in force early today, but tonight could be worse.

All white - Hadleigh Castle looked as if it was part of a winter wonderland Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL

People woke to a blanket of snow but Met Office experts say temperatures could plummet to five below zero.

Commuters faced no delays on the c2c Shoeburyness to Fenchurch Street line and only one cancellation between Witham and Braintree was reported on First Great Eastern's Southend to Liverpool Street line.

Laindon and Rayleigh road policing units warned motorists to be especially careful late tonight and early tomorrow when roads are expected to freeze over again.

A spokesman said: "The biggest problem could be with black ice." Meanwhile emergency services were bracing themselves for more heavy snowfalls.

Paramedics are using time-honoured tools - shovels - alongside 4x4 rapid response vehicles to ensure they are prepared.

Southend fire chief Martyn Hodder said they were running a campaign to warn children to stay away from icy ponds and lakes.

Published Wednesday January 28, 2004

Brought to you by the Evening Echo