Winter finally arrived in West Wales this week. The people of Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire awoke yesterday (Thursday) morning to a blanket of snow.

And whilst the overnight fall created a picturesque Christmas card scene in some areas, the weather also brought its fair share of problems.

Fortunately though, Pembrokeshire escaped the worst of the wintry conditions and no major incidents were reported by the emergency services.

The roads remained open, but the main casualties were the county's schools. Those shut were Ysgol y Preseli, Brynconin, Glandwr, Crymych and Maenclochog.

At Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest, opthamology and radiotherapy clinics were cancelled, while at Pembroke Dock's South Pembs. Hospital, a further opthamology clinic was called off.

Neighbouring Carmarthenshire, however, did not escape so well.

Gritter lorries were out until 4 am yesterday morning, while 24 snow-ploughs concentrated on keeping primary roads open.

Although all main roads were passable with care, motorists were advised not to drive unless absolutely necessary.

Bus services in the county were nearly all cancelled, which also led to the closure of most of the county's schools, including Whitland CP School and the town's Ysgol Dyffryn Taf.

Refuse collections were also cancelled for safety reasons.

By mid-morning, however, much of the snow had cleared, although more wintry showers were being predicted by weather forecasters.