A WINTER whiteout hit Dorset over the weekend causing delays for motorists and cancellations of sporting events.

But it was not bad news for everyone as youngsters dusted off their sleds and snowboards to enjoy the year’s first snowfall.

The snow also created picture postcard scenes across the county.

Dorchester Town’s home match against Basingstoke was called off due to a frozen pitch as was Chickerell United’s match against Swanage Town and Herston.

However, there was some action on the field as Dorchester’s Magpies under-9s team trained despite the freezing weather.

At Redlands in Weymouth one youth match and one pubs league match survived the freeze on Sunday morning.

Youngsters John Marjoram and Neil Rogers made the most of the snow in Crossways.

John said: “We grabbed a sled as soon as we woke up and saw the snow. We don’t get much here so we are going to make the most of it .”

Dorset County Council’s fleet of salt spreaders covered the major routes which in places suffered four inches of snow over the weekend.

A Dorset County Council spokesman said road surface temperatures had dropped well below zero and warned of ice forming on the roads.

Drivers were warned to reduce their speed, keep their distance from other vehicles and avoid sudden acceleration or braking.

The council’s fleet of 26 gritters remained on standby at depots over the weekend after refilling with salt and fitting snow ploughs.

Dorset County Council cabinet member for transport Peter Finney said: “Our salting crews have carried out a number of treatment runs this winter and are treating our 680 miles of salting routes as a precaution against ice and snow.

“We will be closely monitoring conditions and prepared to clear snow if it becomes heavier.”

For salting updates, winter driving advice, weather latest, school closures and information about whether council services are affected by the weather, visit our new snow section at dorsetecho.co.uk/snow