Heavy snow caused travel disruption and school closures across Wharfedale and Aire-borough this week.

The wintry weather posed the biggest problems on Monday, when Leeds Bradford Airport was forced to suspend all flights while it cleared snow from the runway.

The snow that had been falling since Sunday, along with sub-zero temperatures, also forced many schools to close.

Most primaries were shut on Monday, while secondary schools – including Prince Henry’s Grammar School, Horsforth School, Ilkley Grammar School, Benton Park School and Guiseley School – closed to all students except those sitting external exams.

Conditions began to ease by Tuesday, when most schools reopened.

Flights from Leeds Bradford Airport have also returned to normal while the main roads have stayed clear all week thanks to gritting by Bradford Council and Leeds City Council crews.

Bus and rail services escaped major disruption.

Delays to bin collections, however, are expected to continue.

A statement on Leeds City Council's website said: “Crews are out collecting bins and will make every effort to complete scheduled collections. However, the service will continue to be disrupted where snow and ice on roads and pavements makes conditions dangerous.

“Please put your black bins out as normal, but if they are not collected please bring them in until your next scheduled collection day. Crews are trying to collect green bins, so please leave these out for now.”

Bradford Council is giving similar advice, and said: "Conditions on some side and back streets have slightly improved, but most are still difficult to access.”

Younger residents however, have been enjoying the upside of the snow – and an unexpected day off school – by dusting off their sledges and perfecting their snowmen building skills.

Weather forecasters expect temperatures to rise this weekend and to reach as high as 7C by midday on Sunday.

To get updates on disruption to bin collections and other services visit leeds.gov.uk or bradford.gov.uk.