MOST state schools across East Hampshire are closed today, including The Petersfield School, Petersfield Infants School and Herne Junior, as the weather is predicted to get worse. The closures saw youngsters across the district get out and enjoy the snow, for some like Zeph Read of Rival Moor Road, it was the first they had ever seen. A statement on the Hampshire County Council website said: “Overnight the weather forecast has changed with the Met Office now predicting heavy snow at midday today (March 1) in the Petersfield area.

“They have issued an amber alert for many parts of our area and rate the situation as ‘likely’ and ‘high impact’. There is currently snow and the temperature is unlikely to rise above -4 today.

“Due to the timing of the predicted heavy snowfall, we have decided to shut schools. We are concerned that students may not be able to get home and could be left stranded.

“Additionally, Hampshire Police have advised against travel unless absolutely necessary.

“We will monitor the situation very closely and inform you as soon as possible if we are not able to open tomorrow”.

Parents are advised to check if schools are opening tomorrow on the county council website www.hants.gov.uk/education/schoolclosures or on individual school websites