The North-East and North Yorkshire are expected to stay in the grip of this cold spell for two more days.

Motorists again faced disruption with yet another heavy snowfall while many roads were again made hazardous by ice.

Snow was also causing major problems in north Cumbria. A police spokesman said the A6 at Shap and the A686 were closed.

A spokesman for PA WeatherCentre said: ''There will be a widespread frost tonight, and an even colder one tomorrow night.

''But from Thursday onwards it is looking like it will become milder.''

Forecasters predict that milder weather is expected from Thursday onwards.

North and west Scotland was today being hit by blizzards along with a chilling north-westerly wind.