RESIDENTS have been making the most out of the blanket of snow that fell on North Essex this week. 

Readers have sent us photographs capturing the magic of the snow, which blew in from Siberia.

About 5cm of the fluffy white flakes fell in rural areas as temperatures plummeted to -5C - so cold the River Stour even froze.

Drivers faced hazardous conditions with crashes including a 17-car collision on the A120.

But with school closed across the district youngsters made the best of it making snow angels and snowmen, going tobogganing, and having snowball fights.

To view our gallery click here.