Early snow covers Britain

The earliest widespread snowfall for 17 years looked to be taking hold after parts of the country were blanketed in white.

Up to 10cm of snow settled in north-east Scotland and northern England overnight, with accumulations also reported in Wales and Northern Ireland.

Amid sub-zero temperatures, the Met Office issued severe weather warnings, flagging up icy roads and drifting snow for the eastern side of the country as well as parts of Wales and Northern Ireland.

Forecasters warned the cold snap was expected to tighten its grip as the week continued, with temperatures dropping to minus 5C in some regions over the next few days.

It is expected to be the earliest major snowfall since 1993.

The Met Office said: "Snow showers have been falling all night across north-east Scotland, and down the east of England. There have also been some snow showers affecting Northern Ireland and parts of north Wales."

By the end of the week a moderate dusting of snow is expected across the rest of the country, though it will remain heaviest in Scotland, Orkney and the Shetland Isles.

Temperatures were not expected to rise much above 2-5C by day, remaining lower in the more exposed, rural areas.