Heavy snowfall grips Europe

Huge falls of snow have caused chaos across Eastern Europe. More than a meter of snow fell on the Bosnian capital, Sarajevo Saturday trapping people in their homes and vehicles. In the Ukraine, Poland and Belarus the bad weather has also led to a number of deaths. Meanwhile here in Rome, people were out and about today enjoying the rare sight of snow in the capital despite the chill in the air.

Rome under a blanket of white snow is something Italy’s capital hasn’t experienced since 1986.

But despite the freezing temperatures that didn’t stop Roman residents and tourists alike on Saturday from getting out and about in the city.

People wrapped up against the chill crunched their way up from the street leading to St Peter’s Basilica negotiating a times the slippery conditions and throwing the occasional snowball along the way.

Once in St Peter’s Square their was a light hearted atmosphere with children building the first snowmen the square has seen in many a long year, while others marvelled at the dome of the Basilica covered in a sheath of silvery white.

Although people have been enjoying this rarity in Rome, this weather has had its drawbacks.

Drivers have faced long hours in traffic and Italian carrier Alitalia cancelled a number of departures and landing on Saturday morning.

There is also concern for without a roof who make their home on the streets of Rome. Listen to Lydia O'Kane's report from St Peter's Square