Temperatures dropped to as low as -7C in the early hours of this morning as the UK braced itself for snow and bitingly cold winds.

South-east England was the coldest area of the country last night with most areas of the region recording sub-zero temperatures. Charlwood in West Sussex was the coldest spot at -7.4C. A dusting of snow was reported in Lincolnshire, Bedfordshire and parts of Yorkshire.

A dusting is expected in some areas today, but a Met Office weather warning of heavy snow is in place for eastern areas for tomorrow and south-eastern areas on Friday.

Up to 10cm of snow is forecast in areas along the east coast from Hull to Lowestoft as a cold continental front moves in. Wind speeds of up 50mph are forecast for areas around the Wash, prompting fears of snow drifts and atrocious driving conditions.