WHAT a wonderful surprise to waken up to a festive feeling at last -- four inches of snow instead of incessant rain.

The holidaying throngs were out in force on the nearest slopes tobagganing on anything that would move, from sleds to trays and washing up bowls.

And it's the first time I've see anyone ski past my house.

A winter wonderland for a few days -- pity it came three days too late.

But the first winter weather for years brought with it an icy danger.

Throngs of children headed for frozen waters putting their lives in peril by ignoring sensible advice to stay away from icebound ponds and lakes.

Disobedient children on Firs Lake took micro scooters onto the ice, threw at the wildlife and strewed the ice with rubbish.

Residents in that area work hard to keep the park tidy and the ducks and geese happy, and they can do without having their efforts spoiled by the minority who couldn't give a monkeys for their own safety or anyone else's.

It's a pity they haven't got more sense.

Two pets paid with their lives this week after falling through the ice -- one in Leigh canal.

For foodness sake why didn't the owners keep them on a lead in such treacherous conditions?

What a hard way to learn.