A BLANKET of snow covered the Okehampton area on Tuesday — one of the worst falls since the town was cut off back in February 1978, writes Claire Hallett.

Roads were covered in layers of soft snow, resulting in many vehicles having to turn around and head home as it began to thicken.

The bad weather hit the town on Tuesday and with warnings broadcast the week before, residents stocked up during the weekend to prepare for the storm.

Waitrose department manager Richard Griffith said the weather limited some employees getting to work: 'There were ten employees who couldn't get in first thing but as soon as the weather cleared up a bit, some were able to make their way back in.

'We were really quiet in the morning but things picked up later and soon returned to a normal Tuesday level.'

Mr Griffith said trade was also affected in the run up to the terrible weather: 'We certainly noticed a rise in sales with people stocking up on store cupboard essentials like milk and bread.'

Personal and training co-ordinator for Somerfield Maria Taylor said Tuesday morning was very quiet but trade picked up later.

'Some employees from outside the town couldn't make it in. The snow was just too heavy but we had a lot of local staff who offered to come in on their days off to help out.'

Mrs Taylor said she noticed a change in trade at the weekend: 'We were very busy on Sunday and Monday before the bad weather came in. People knew we were in for heavy snow, so were thinking ahead.'

Okehampton College made the decision to close after school buses came to a standstill — pupils were allowed to go home with permission from their parents.

The college's first performance of High School Musical was also cancelled due to the bad weather.

The college resumed as normal on Wednesday but some coaches were unable to leave their stations due to thick ice.

Okehampton Primary School stayed open throughout with pupils given the option to stay at home with parents' permission.

Other schools closed in the Okehampton area on Tuesday were: Hatherleigh Primary, Winkleigh Primary, North Tawton Primary. Bridestowe Primary, Northlew and Ashbury Primary, Shebbear Community School, Boasley Cross Primary and Broadwoodwidger Primary.

In all, the snow caused the closure of more than 90 of the county's 364 schools on Tuesday.

Insp Turner from Okehampton Police said there were no reported accidents: 'The only real problems were the bad ice on the A30 near Sourton and a few lorries had to pull up on the roads.

'People have been very sensible, taking extra care while driving, which is always advised in these conditions.'

Okehampton mayor Kay Bickley said: 'The conditions were really bad in the morning. It was especially dangerous coming down Exeter Road and people had to be extra careful if they were out and about.'

More than 1,000 tonnes of salt was used by Devon County Council's 84 road gritters.