Winter returned this morning when people in Oxfordshire woke up to find their gardens, roads and cars covered in several inches of snow.

The Met Office said the the county had last experienced snow like this in April 19 years ago.

Met Office spokesman John Hammand said: "In 1989 on the morning of April 5, we had some snow in the area which quickly thawed. Then, around eight to 10 centimetres of snow fell - especially towards the south of the county."

Heavy snow blanketed the county with around two to three inches of snow falling in areas like Oxford, Faringdon, Bicester and Wantage - more fell in higher areas of the county.

The severe driving conditions during the early part of today caused mayhem for motorists and the Highways Agency issued a warning telling drivers to stay at home and only drive if necessary.

An accident on the M40 involving two cars happened northbound between junctions 9 and 11, at around 5.30am.

A Thames Valley Police spokesman said: "A Vauxhall Vectra and a Vauxhall Corsa collided due to the snow. Both cars came off the motorway and on to the hard shoulder.

"One female suffered head injuries and was taken to hospital. The accident was cleared shortly after.

"There have been no road blockages or closures this morning."

Pc Kevin Crick, of Abingdon Roads Policing, said: "The snow plough had been out on the A34 and had cleared the second lane and all main routes were clear and that there were no major incidents, or road closures."

Pc Mike Barrettcorr, of Bicester Roads Policing, said: "As far as I know the M40 is clear - we have a limited area to do."

Gary Jones, of Corinader Way, Blackbird Leys, had left to go to work at 5.15am. A journey that normally takes him 15 minutes took 45 minutes.

The Met Office is predicting further snow showers within the next 24 hours.

Mr Hammond said: "Flakes of snow started to fall in North Oxfordshire between 2am and 3am this morning and then headed towards the city after that.

"Generally the county saw between two and three inches of snow - some places have had a bit more.

"We are into April, and temperatures are above freezing so the snow will thaw within the next few hours.

"If we get more snow, it won't be during the day today but people in Oxfordshire could see a covering of snow in some parts of the county as they wake up tomorrow. It could be a few centimetres, but again temperatures will rise and the snow will thaw."

He said the snow had fallen due to artic air winds coming down from the north of the country.

Mr Sterio added: "The message to drivers is to check the weather before driving, drive to the conditions of the road and leave extra time for your journeys."

Send your snow pictures to oxpix@nqo.com