COMMUTERS returning to work from the festive break faced a week of misery following blizzards, freezing winds and cancelled trains.

As temperatures plunged to as low as -5C and up to 10cm of snow fell in parts of rural north Kent, freezing conditions became a reality for thousands.

But the good news is temperatures will now return to a daily average of 6C and only fall to 2C overnight. Short spells of rains will replace the snow.

Dozens of trains from Dartford and Gravesend to the capital were cancelled between December 27 and December 30 as South Eastern Trains (SET) struggled to cope with temperatures.

The main problems were on mainline routes from the Kent coast with "scores" of delayed journeys each day.

SET spokesman Nigel Jarratt said: "A combination of snow and ice meant we were unable to run trains until tracks could be cleared."

The company, which runs 750 trains from north Kent to London each day, tried to put on replacement bus services which were also hampered by hazardous roads.

The Highways Agency urged drivers intending to use the M25, M20 and the A2 to stay indoors.

Traffic flowed smoothly thanks to snow ploughs and 50 gritters sent out three times each day to distribute some of the 35,000 tonnes of grit stockpiled for winter.

Icy roads, winter sun and unsafe driving conditions were the main problems for motorists.

The RAC has dealt with more than 100 extra breakdowns, burst radiators and troublesome tyres each day across north Kent during the cold snap.

A spokesman said: "We have been very busy, we think people thought they would be ok.

"More people have been out on the roads because they were heading home from where they have been over Christmas and they have also been going shopping which has added to the problems."