North Kent has been hit by heavy snow overnight.

Schools have been closed and major routes disrupted following the snowfall which began late on Thursday evening.

The A2 was down to one lane early this morning and police were forced to close Bluewater's network for a short time as roads became clogged with snow and ice.

Many schools are closed including Meopham School in Gravesham and The Bridge Community School in Dartford.

Police are advising motorists to travel only if absolutely necessary while South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Trust (SECAmb) is warning people only to dial 999 in a genuine emergency.

Sue Harris, SECAmb director of operations, said: "We don’t want to dissuade anyone from calling for our help if they genuinely need it but, if someone’s call is less urgent we would ask people to consider whether they could get support and advice from other NHS providers such as calling NHS Direct.

"We also advise that while the weather conditions remain poor people stay at home unless absolutely necessary."

A Met Office spokesman said the rest of today could see even heavier snow, with daytime temperatures not rising much above freezing.

Forecasters, however, say it's still too early to say whether we're in for a white Christmas Day.