Families have fun in the snow on the Isle of Sheppey

A spokesman said: “Despite Network Rail’s best efforts overnight to clear the tracks, ice on the conductor rail is causing problems for services on some routes.

"We’re dependent on the rails being cleared to run a train service for customers. We apologise to anyone caught up in delays and thank them for their patience”

Additional Southeastern staff have been helping to clear snow from platforms and stairs at stations.

Walkers brave the icy conditions in snowbound Folkestone

A fox eyes up a 'playmate' in Hythe

Kent Police said officers have responded to a string of complaints about snowball-throwing yobs.

In the most shocking case, snowballs were thrown at moving vehicles on the M20, between junctions 9 and 10, at about 1pm yesterday.

Officers warned a group of youths throwing snowballs at a man they did not know in King Street, Maidstone, on Friday evening.

And, in Margate, two boys were made to clean snow and eggs from the window of a shop they had pelted them at on Saturday afternoon.

Ch Insp Matthew Kendall said: "I'd urge people having fun in the snow to stay safe and to avoid throwing snowballs at strangers, vehicles, or people's homes.

"Without wishing to spoil anyone's fun, it may be worth remembering that not everyone loves this weather so if you are throwing snowballs please be considerate of others and their property."

Meanwhile, two people were warned after police were called to cars towing people on a sledge in Rainham. Officers also fined motorists for doing handbrake turns in a Hempstead car park.

Mr Kendall added: "Such behaviour is dangerous and not only risks injury to the drivers, but to members of the public too."

A snowman keeps guard at Deal castle

Horses grazing at Beechenlea Lane, Swanley

Meanwhile, around 200 schools were closed across Kent and Medway, with youngsters set to make the most of the big freeze to build snowmen and throw snowballs.

Hardest hit were Dover and Maidstone, with more than 20 schools closed in each area.

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Southeastern advised passengers to check how trains are running before leaving home, and to leave extra time for their journeys.

Commuters at Strood station this morning had mixed reviews of their start to the day.

Thomas Javanda, 23, Castle View, Strood: "I had to walk to the station instead of driving – a 15-minute, walk not much difference."

Patsy Hayward, 20, of High Halstow: "My brother had to get a bus from Bromley South to Kent last night. He got in at 2am after leaving at 9am."

Clive Holly, 62, Lower Road, Teynham: "They’ve done a good job so far, far fewer people on the train."

A wintry Leybourne Lakes in Snodland

One lonely traveller waits for a train at Ebbsfleet station

On the roads, part of the M20 was at a standstill this morning after a six-vehicle crash.

Kent Police urged motorists to take extra care - and clear snow and ice before setting off so it does not slip onto the windscreen.

It comes after a day of prolonged snowfall yesterday across the county.

Forecasters are predicting further sleet or snow showers in parts of the region - mostly away from the coast.

Temperatures in the county could plummet to -6C.

Experts are warning drivers not to make any unnecessary journeys.

Gritters have been out in force overnight and earlier today, but some roads were said to be hazardous.

Bin collections in Swale and Thanet were suspended due to the weather.