Winter warning as snow and ice hit parts of UK

Winter warned it is on its way with icy winds, plummeting temperatures and snow showers for many parts of Britain.

The first flurries of snow hit high ground on hills in northern England, Wales and Scotland, but snow also fell as far south as Brighton and Devil's Dyke in the South Downs of Sussex, as November closes with an icy blast.

Motorists were warned of hazardous driving conditions on the Pennines between Lancashire and Yorkshire, with the Snake Pass between Manchester and Sheffield among the main roads covered in a blanket of snow.

Gritters were sent out on Tuesday afternoon in Derbyshire as snow began to settle, with patrols on the roads throughout the night on other routes including the Woodhead Pass and the Cat and Fiddle near Macclesfield.

Elsewhere temperatures dipped to just below freezing overnight, with millions waking up to frost and icy conditions.

Higher ground in the south west of England and Wales may see a possible dusting of snow on Wednesday according to the Met Office, with light snow reported to be falling in the Cotswolds.

In the south, motorists were warned showers and freezing temperatures meant a risk of ice on the roads on Wednesday.

A cold night with clear skies is forecast for Wednesday evening, with a widespread frost across the UK and more chilly weather for the weekend.