A WIDESPREAD thaw is expected today with milder temperatures and rain showers forecast.

Yesterday was the first time in a week that no schools closed because of the weather.

A small amount of snow and sleet was forecast in Oxfordshire last night but it was not expected to stay as higher temperatures of about 8C are forecast for today.

However, while the snow may have gones it is being rplaced with rain – up to 20mm is expected today and tomorrow.

Met forecaster Charlie Powell said: “On Sunday top temperatures will be 8C or 9C, which is a bit above normal, so we can see the change happening there.”

Waste crews from South Oxfordshire District Council and the Vale of White Horse District Council will be out this morning to catch up on any missed bin collections.

Residents who did not have their bin collected this week should leave their bin at the roadside.

Cherwell District Council will collect reported missed bins on Monday. West Oxfordshire District Council waste crews will be out this morning to collect some of the missed rubbish collections.

Games on Oxford City Council-operated football pitches – bar Court Place Farm in Marsh Lane – have been cancelled this weekend.