Schools out!

Dorset and Hampshire children joined the thousands who were forced to stay at home making snowmen or venturing out on toboggans because of the adverse weather conditions.

More than 1500 schools were closed across the South East. In Bournemouth around six decided not to open, seventeen schools and three pre-schools in Poole were closed and 48 in the rest of Dorset.

Hampshire County Council said most of its 540 schools were closed due to the weather.

A spokesman for the Department for Children, Schools and Families said schools in southern England were among the worst affected.

Tuesday (3.2.09) should see clear periods and light winds, a hard frost and some patchy fog later.  Wednesday will be mostly dry with some bright or sunny spells, but more sleet or snow may spread into northern Dorset and Hampshire areas by Thursday evening.