Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) said it had been gritting bus stations and interchanges.

It also said it had been running trams overnight to try to keep power lines clear of frost.

The icy conditions have still caused serious delays though, and TfGM said affected passengers could use their tickets on local buses.

In Stockport, Bramhall High School said: “Regrettably, we are unable to open today despite the amazing efforts of our site team since 4.00 GMT.

“Large swathes of ice dominate the site and it is simply not safe.”

Lymm High School in Warrington, Cheshire, said it had been force to cancel students’ collection of A-Level certificates.

It said: “There is simply too much thick ice, including a lot of black ice, all around the site.”

Emma Shaw, head teacher of Macclesfield College and Park Lane Special School, said both sites were “dangerously icy” and would be closed.

Higher Bebington Junior School in Wirral announced it was closing for similar reasons, while in Lancashire more than 20 schools across Pendle, Rossington, the Ribble Valley and Hyndburn are closed.