STANSTED Airport closed this morning as staff struggled to clear more than half a million square metres of snow using more than 40 snow-clearing vehicles.

By Sharon Asplin

STANSTED Airport has now reopened after staff cleared more than half a million square metres of snow using more than 40 snow-clearing vehicles.

Snow began to fall on Essex in the early hours of this morning and about 100 departing flights were cancelled. Two flights were diverted into Stansted and a further five away from the airport.

Hundreds of people were left waiting at the airport after the closure just after 6am. The airport eventually re-opened at 11am.

This lunchtime, a spokesman for Stansted Airport said: “Disruption to flights is likely to continue throughout the day and passengers are strongly advised to contact their airline before setting off for the airport.”

Across the county thousands of children enjoyed an extra day's holiday as more than 200 schools were reported shut.

Rail passengers and motorists experienced minor delays and problems this morning.