SCHOOLS in and around Swindon have warned they will be closed tomorrow because of the snow.

Royal Wootton Bassett Academy said their closure was partly due to the distance some staff and pupils had to travel.

Bradon Forest at Purton said: "With further snow forecast and ungritted roads we have been informed by Ellisons that they will be unable to operate school runs."

At Nova Hreod the weather also meant the postponement of the school carol service that was due to be held on Monday night at St Mary's Church.

Other schools affected included Kingsdown, Lawn Manor Academy . Commonweal, Dorcan Academy, Abbey Park School and Lydiard Park Academy. Many primary and special schools are also understood to be closed.

Highworth Warneford will make a decision in the morning.

The Ridgeway School announced this evening: "Swindon headteachers have been working together throughout the day to keep the weather situation under review. Further snow is forecast during the night and into tomorrow morning with temperatures expected to fall to -6 overnight.

"Thamesdown Transport have said that they are not able to access roads with an incline and a number of the roads in to Wroughton have been closed today.

"We have many teachers that travel from outside Swindon, including some that drive from Weston Super Mare, Bristol and Bath and others that live in outlying villages which have been cut off by the snow.

"It is not possible to open the school when so many staff will be unable to reach the school in treacherous conditions."

Schools expect to be open on Tuesday 12th December.

Parents are advised to check on their school websites for further information.