Welcome to the snow year...

THREE wise men make the end of the festive holiday more bearable by taking to a snowbound beach with sledges.

- BY GILES SHELDRICK

And whatever star they follow this year, seeing a dog enjoying a sleigh ride by the sea is a great way to kick it all off with a day of cold, frank nonsense and mirth.

The scene at Blyth in Northumberland was one of a winter wonderland series across the country as a raw Arctic blast brought snow to many regions.

Hundreds of schools were unable to open and flights were cancelled amid sub-zero temperatures which are expected to stay for the rest of the week. The worst of the weather hit Scotland, where the Met Office issued four amber snow warnings, with six yellow snow and ice warnings for the rest of the UK.