Motorists braved treacherous roads early today as Sussex awoke to Arctic weather conditions.

Minor roads were turned into skid pans by freezing overnight temperatures as low as minus 2C (28F).

Rush-hour congestion was made worse this morning as journey times were slowed by slippery surfaces and poor visibility.

All 25 East Sussex County Council gritter lorries worked through the night and this morning to make roads less perilous.

However, there were still reports of minor shunts.

Schools and colleges in East Sussex also fell victim to the sub-zero temperatures.

Beacon Community College in Crowborough and Heathfield Community College were closed as heaters had packed up.

Sunshine broke out across East Sussex by mid-morning, helping thaw snow and icy patches.

However, forecasters predicted further bouts of snow and ice across Sussex within the next 24 hours.