DRIVERS were warned to take extra care on the roads as temperatures plummeted following the country's first widespread snowfall.

Around 4cm of snow fell across the West of Scotland yesterday, while temperatures dropped below zero in Glasgow last night.

Disruption on the main transport network was kept to a minimum, and the Scottish Government confirmed they were on alert to respond to any major problems.

The Met Office last night issued a yellow warning for ice which covered much of the central belt and the west of Scotland.

Charlie Powell, forecaster with the Met Office, said: "There were quite a few snow and sleet showers in the West of Scotland yesterday.

"They continued throughout the day and turned to snow on higher ground.

"It is definitely going to be on the frosty and icy side and conditions are expected to stay like this for the rest of the week."

In Glasgow, the ice-rink in George Square, set up as part of the city's festive campaign Glasgow Loves Christmas, was forced to close because of a flurry of snow.

The facility closed at midday yesterday and opened again around two hours later.

A spokeswoman from Glasgow Life said: "Everyone who missed out on the ice rink will be rescheduled in an alternative session."

Transport Scotland was preparing to respond to any major problems.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: "We are continuing to closely monitor the situation.

"In the run-up to the first widespread snowfall of winter, we have seen a wide range of agencies working together and reacting quickly to weather alerts to put in place their response plans.

"The travelling public also deserve praise for the way they have reacted and behaved.

"However, no one is being complacent, and whilst the weather alerts remain in place, the focused response will continue."