Snowy scenes show a magical Cannock Chase
[gallery] The picture shows the first snow of 2015 cast its magic on a Staffordshire beauty spot with forecasters warning more may fall next week.
Snow fell across the the region on Tuesday evening, causing problems for motorists but delighting others.
Express & Star photographer Tim Sturgess captured the icy idyll at Birches Valley Forest Centre on Cannock Chase where high winds forced the venue to close for several hours on successive days this week.
The centre was closed again this morning while staff carried out safety assessments of the site following another night of blustery weather.
The winds blew down three trees near the car park on Wednesday night.
Forestry Commission regional manager Jason McLean said: " The snow didn't really cause a problem because it wasn't deep enough but the winds meant we had to close the centre to check the bike and walk trails for fallen branches and any other damage because of the safety implications.
"Winds of 50mph were forecast for most of this week , and they left their mark. Areas near the main road and near some of our neighbours were assessed first.
"It takes a good half-day to check the whole site but we have to prioritise people's safety. We closed the car park and would have cancelled any group or school trips but fortunately there were none.
"If individuals want to take the chance that is up to them. Otherwise we warned people of the closures on out FaccBook page so they would not have a wasted journey."
Forecasters have said snowfall is expected tomorrow, Sunday and next week. Showers may be heavy and merge at times with a hail and thunder risk also predicted. Strong winds are expected to continue to blast the region but these will gradually ease.
Mr McLean said: "The snow always brings visitors to the Chase because it looks so spectacular. We have to warn people that we don't grit the trails so they walk or cycle there at their own risk but we realise they want to visit when it's really nice."
