SCHOOLS remained closed and major events were cancelled as Dorset was hit by a second day of winter weather chaos.

Following the worst snowfall in 15 years Dorset was hit by sub-zero temperatures causing major disruption.

Parents and children in the area woke up to news that the majority of school had closed their doors for a second day.

Although many roads were passable, most were dangerously covered in ice and gritting workers worked through the day to rectify the situation.

Fans were left disappointed after today’s Dorchester FC away fixture with St Alban City was postponed due to a frozen pitch. Weymouth Football Club’s clash with Banbury United in the Zamaretto Premier Division was still expected to go ahead at the Bob Lucas Stadium.

The Dorset Premier League has scratched its entire schedule and no games will take place at Redlands or the Marsh, today or tomorrow.

Meanwhile, thousands of charity walkers will have to postpone their sponsored walk for Weldmar Hospice along Weymouth Relief Road.

Caroline Nickinson, director of fundraising at Weldmar said: “Unfortunately due to the snow we’ve had to postpone the walk on Sunday.

“But we are only postponing it and it will all take place next Sunday on the 12th with all the same timings and event details staying the same.”

Walkers taking part in the six kilometre trek will be able to get a sneak preview of the £87million relief road.

To find out more information about the walk contact 01305 361800 or visit www.weld-hospice.org.uk Around 12 schools stayed open throughout Weymouth, Dorchester and Portland but many with very low turnouts from pupils. Buckland Newton Primary School, St Mary’s CE First School in Dorchester and Greenford Primary School stayed open with only half their pupils in class.

Despite problems on Thursday the county council’s new website allowing schools to announce their closures was up and running yesterday.

The main school bus service Barry’s Coaches and Bluebird Coaches cancelled all runs so parents had to take to the road or walk their children to school.

Bridport Arts Centre acted quickly on Thursday to entertain all the children who suddenly had the day off.

After deciding to put on an impromptu pantomime and spreading the word through social media and word and mouth more than 40 people turned up to enjoy a schools performance by Miracle Theatre.

Ellie Mottram, marketing manager, said: A snow day often means things get cancelled, but Bridport Arts Centre, who almost had to cancel a schools performance by Miracle Theatre, turned it around by offering entry to the show for the general public for just a donation.

“The show offered entertainment for those stuck with nothing to do on a snow day.”

* Have you got any unusual stories from the past few days? Did you trek to work for hours in the snow? If so contact Miriam Phillips on miriam.phillips@dorsetecho.co.uk or call 01305 830995