It's been six years since west Dorset was hit by a deluge of snow for a second time in a matter of weeks.

This winter has been considerably milder with more rain and subsequent flooding as a result but back on March 19, 2018, the 'mini Beast from the East' struck the county.

It came just after Dorset experienced extreme weather when a severe spell of snow and low temperatures gripped the country in February 2018.

Click above into our picture gallery to see a selection of our photographers' and readers' photos of the 'mini Beast from the East' in Dorset.

There was fresh snowfall overnight on Sunday, March 18, leading to treacherous conditions on the roads and a severe weather alert being issued for ice.

Motorists were warned conditions were treacherous in parts and were advised to take ‘extreme care’ and even postpone journeys for the day.

The Weymouth Half Marathon was called off at the time and Dorchester Town and Bridport had their football matches postponed.

Schools were closed again as the Met Office issued a weather warning to residents urging them to 'be prepared.'

The A37 was closed for almost 10 hours after a lorry overturned in the early hours of Monday morning.

Emergency services were called to Long Ash Lane, near Maiden Newton, shortly before 1.30am after a 26-tonne articulated lorry overturned, blocking the road.

There were also reports of a jackknifed lorry blocking the A35 dual carriageway section between Bridport and Dorchester.

Residents were urged to check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours to see if they needed any help during the cold spell as bitterly cold temperatures were reported across the county.

Chefs at Local Food Links, a social enterprise providing a school meals service from its kitchens in Bridport, battled through the remainder of the snow to provide hot meals for children across the west of the county on their return to school on Monday.