The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for snow and ice this week.

A statement form the weather control office said: "Showers during Thursda afternoon and evening are expected to fall increasingly as sleet, snow, and hail. This may settle in places, especially from late afternoon and more especially on high ground. 

"In addition, a more persistent spell of rain, sleet and snow may affect the west and south of the yellow area during the early hours of Friday morning. 

"Most areas are likely to see large amounts of snow but icy stretches are likely to form on untreated surfaces. The public shoul dbe aware of the risk of some travel disruption and difficult driving conditions."

The chief forecaster said: "The unstable westerly airflow will veer northwesterly during Thursday bringing cold air further south across the UK. 

"Showers will therefore become wintry to lower levels. 1cm - 2cm may settle almost anywhere, especially from late afternoon and into Thursday evening."