INVERCLYDE awoke to a complete whiteout today with the area under feet of snow.

Blizzard conditions lasted from early evening yesterday until late at night and even more snow fell in the early hours, completely covering the district.

As the Tele went to press all trains and buses were still cancelled, with McGill's suspending all routes until at least 1pm.

All schools and nurseries are closed for the day, with an announcement expected later about arrangements for tomorrow.

With even low lying areas like Greenock town centre covered by snow many shops and workplaces are shut, with staff told to stay at home.

Only the main roads were passable this morning after roads staff fought throughout the night to keep them clear.

As the Tele went to press snow was again falling again as the so-called ‘beast from the east’ continued to take its toll.

Officials have described the conditions as unprecedented, with the district under several feet of snow.

The situation is particularly acute on higher ground but even areas such as The Esplanade were affected by snowdrifts and were impassable to traffic.

It wasn't all bad news though, especially as far as youngsters were concerned.

Places like the golf courses and Gourock Park were full of kids sledging and enjoying snowball fights.

The severe weather warning remains in place for the rest of the day.