DELIGHTED children played in a winter wonderland in parts of Gwent after festive weekend snowfalls.

Valleys areas were transformed by the snow, which settled in some places.

Gritters were out around the county and Gwent Police reported that there had been no problems caused by the weather.

But a few local sports fixtures had to be postponed - including the clash between Tillery FC and RTB Ebbw Vale.

Club officials reported that an inch of snow had completely covered the pitch.

The Bedwellty Showground in Blackwood was also transformed by a white blanket of snow.

Among locals enjoying the snowfalls was Cefn Forest milkman Alan Baldwin, who braved the cold to build a snowman, pictured.

The big freeze is likely to continue for some days, with snowfalls and plunging temperatures bringing the year to an end in much of Britain.

As revellers prepared for tonight's New Year celebrations, they are being warned to wrap up warmly, with sub-zero temperatures forecast to continue.

Cardiff Met Office weather forecaster Tom Baker said the freeze was not likely to last longer than a few days: "North-north-westerly winds have brought cold winds into Gwent and it's going to be very cold over the next few days, with temperatures falling to minus four in places.

"Although it is possible we might see some extra snow over the next few days, showers will be few and far between, with North and West Wales seeing the worst of the weather."

Many routes were affected by snow and ice, and motorists are advised to take extra care. But forecasters say Scotland is bearing the brunt of the severe conditions.

Overnight temperatures fell to minus 9C in the Cairngorms and minus 5C in Dundee, and continuing snow kept a number of roads closed in the north east of the country.

Wintry showers were forecast for North Wales, while snow was also forecast for northern and eastern areas of Scotland, as well as north-east England, and possibly East Anglia.