SCHOOLS across Hampshire are set to reopen today as the county returns to normal following another day of chaos caused by Arctic conditions.

More than 100 educational establishments were closed or partially closed yesterday after the latest snowfall brought services across the county to a standstill.

With just days to go before the start of British summer time, Hampshire was left struggling to cope with the latest bout of unseasonal weather.

Roads and pavements turned into skating rinks and bin collections in Southampton were suspended after it was deemed too dangerous for crews to work in the icy conditions.

An amber “be prepared” weather warning is expected to stay in force until 9am today following a hard frost forecast.

Winter returned with a vengeance at the weekend.

Some of the snow started to melt on Sunday afternoon but turned to ice in the sub-zero temperatures that hit in the early hours of yesterday.

Educational facilities across the county bore the brunt of the disruption, with scores of schools shut or partially shut together with a children’s centre and 12 early years providers.

Many schools delayed their opening until 10am or later to give staff time to make sites safe.

Krista Dawkins, head teacher of Crestwood Community School in Chandler’s Ford, said: “While the main roads are clear, several staff have contacted me to say the back roads are icy and dangerous.”

Manor Infant School in Holbury was one of several schools that was forced to close after heating systems failed.

Romsey Abbey Primary School remained open and in a message to pupils said: “Do not worry about being late. Come in when it is safe to do so.”

With British summer time starting in the early hours of this Sunday, most Hampshire residents will be hoping they have seen the last of the white stuff for a long time to come.

Today’s temperature in the Southampton area is likely to reach 9C - three times higher than yesterday’s maximum.