LET IT SNOW, Let it Snow, Let It Snow — the first White Christmas in years could be on the cards but snow and ice have been causing treacherous road conditions in the area.

Heavy snowfall on Friday night and over the weekend combined with sub-zero temperatures caused problems on Monday morning but many residents decided to take police advice and not travel.

The last Saturday before Christmas, usually one of the busiest shopping days of the year, was relatively quiet as people did not venture far from their doors.

Many trips to the shops were on foot, rather than by car, with the old-fashioned neighbourly spirit making a welcome return as residents, decked in thermals, hats and gloves came back armed with bagfuls of supplies for their more elderly neighbours.

Many children enjoyed an early start to their Christmas holidays with schools and colleges, including Tavistock, Okehampton and Callington, closed on Friday because of the weather.

Snow ploughs and gritters were out on the main roads early on Monday morning but parts of the A30 near Okehampton and a section of the A386 from Okehampton to Tavistock were closed for a while due to accidents and impassable roads.

The A388 at St Mellion was closed because of a jack-knifed lorry but police said there were relatively few accidents because people had been taking care when driving.

A police spokesman said: 'We are getting several phone calls from people asking if it is appropriate to travel on certain roads. In general people are being quite sensible.'

It was predicted that snow showers and freezing conditions were to continue through the week. Supt Nigel Boulton from police headquarters at Exeter said on Monday: 'We would urge drivers not to travel. The road network is treacherous and as soon as vehicles reach any kind of incline they will be in difficulty.

The police, highways agency and the county councils have all been working together throughout the night and into the early hours and we are continuing to prioritise clearing major routes and ensuring those in an emergency can receive the help they need.'

Motorists are being reminded of the following advice: Avoid unnecessary journeys but if you have to travel drive according to the conditions, never assume a road has been salted and remember that in extreme cold even salting will not stop ice from forming, allow additional time for your journey and reduce your speed, think about how you can help elderly neighbours through the cold spell and listen to local radio for updates on current weather conditions.