The Denbighshire schools affected are:

- Ysgol Brynhyfryd, Ruthin

- Ysgol Pen Barras, Ruthin

- Rhos Street School. Ruthin

- Ysgol Borthyn, Ruthin

- Ysgol Gwaenynog, Denbigh

- Ysgol Heulfre, Denbigh

- Denbigh High School

- Ysgol Llanbedr Dyffryn Clwd

- Ysgol Pentrecelyn

- Ysgol Henllan

- St Brigid's, Denbigh

- Ysgol Rhewl

- Ysgol Cyffylliog

The headteachers at three of the Ruthin schools took the decision to close following site meetings with Denbighshire's Health and Safety team.

The sub-zero temperatures have left playgrounds and car parks at the schools covered in ice.

Whilst the schools have gritted the areas affected, the ice is re-freezing as temperatures continue to drop.

The situation will be reviewed on Tuesday morning.

Denbighshire County Council told the Evening Leader that they have been out gritting roads and pavements today.

Iwan Prys-Jones, Corporate Director of Environment, stressed the weather conditions that caused the ice were exceptional, adding: "The gritters have been out throughout the Christmas and New Year period in line with published gritting schedules which are available on the council's website and have continued working throughout the day today.

"In addition to this, Denbighshire has been hand salting town centres and residential areas and will continue to do as much as possible to keep all roads and pathways clear in light of these exceptional circumstances.

"The temperature tonight is anticipated to drop below freezing again and I would urge people to take extra precautions in any ungritted areas and allow extra time for any journeys they may need to make."

Don't miss tomorrow's Evening Leader for a roundup of wintry pictures taken by our readers