DRIVERS were today cautiously edging their way to work on Suffolk's icy roads, while thousands of schoolchildren were returning to their studies after fun in the snow.

DRIVERS were today cautiously edging their way to work on Suffolk's icy roads, while thousands of schoolchildren were returning to their studies after fun in the snow.

With the thaw having set in almost all schools were set to reopen.

Students with AS-level exams today must attend, even if their school was to remain closed for lessons.

Barnby and North Cove Primary, which expected to be closed, is open after overcoming heating problems.

Untreated country roads and side-streets in towns were still treacherous, many of them compacted snow and ice.

Main routes though were much better and clear, although police warned drivers to still be careful, avoid complacency and to watch out for sheet ice where there has been fresh freezing overnight.

A police spokeswoman urged drivers to be extra cautious as some roads would be deceptively slippery.

'We would urge people to adjust their driving to the conditions - use dipped headlights, reduce speed and increase your stopping distance,' she said.

'Please exercise patience with other drivers if they are going slower than usual and don't take any unnecessary risks.'

Weather forecasters said temperatures were expected to reach 2C today and the thaw would continue slowly.

There will be sleet showers and snow flurries inland, sleet and light rain on the coast, but tonight there will again be a widespread freezing.

A slight respite from the snow is anticipated today and tomorrow, but there is a possibility of more in west Suffolk on Wednesday.