Britain braced for more snow

Motorists are being warned about hazardous conditions, with up to 6ins of snow forecast in the next 24 hours.

Heavy snow showers are set to hit the Midlands, northern England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and parts of Wales.

The weather system will bring up to 6ins of snow on higher ground, and between 1-2ins in lowland areas.

Widespread frost and below-freezing temperatures will sweep across the country overnight, reaching a low of minus 10C in parts of Scotland.

Most of southern England will escape the worst of the weather, but some sleet and light snow is possible on higher ground.

Temperatures will reach 3-4C in Scotland and 10C across southern England.

The falling temperatures will be felt most in the Border town of Kelso after a cut in the gas supply means residents are already shivering.

Meanwhile, the expected snow covering has led bookmakers to slash the odds on a white Christmas.

Ladbrokes spokesman Nick Weinberg said: "We're frozen with fear at the prospect of a white Christmas. Interest in the traditional festive wager has gone into overdrive this year."

Glasgow is 2/1 to see snow, from an opening quote of 8/1. Birmingham, Liverpool and Manchester are at 4/1.

© Independent Television News Limited 2008. All rights reserved.