Council officials have defended last night's clear-up operation after snowfall caused travel chaos across Kent.

Several key routes including the M2, A249, A21 and A2 experienced major delays as ice and snow led to treacherous driving conditions.

Some drivers said they were stuck for more than five hours with no sign of any gritters as Blue Bell Hill and Detling Hill were shut.

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It led to volunteers from South East 4x4 Response spending more than than seven hours rescuing stranded motorists.

A Kent County Council spokesman said: "Last night’s sudden and heavy snowfall was not forecast.

"The heavy rain washed away the grit on the roads and then turned to snow within 20 minutes.

"Unfortunately this sudden and unexpected snowfall came at the peak of the rush hour.

"Gritters were dispatched immediately but had difficulty reaching the worst affected areas due to the number of abandoned vehicles and, in some places, fallen trees.

"The highways teams worked through the night to clear the roads."

A weather warning for ice is in place today from 4pm to 11am tomorrow.