Health warning issued as freezing conditions grip Britain

Public Health England's Dr Angie Bone said: "Over the past few weeks we've had some very disruptive weather, but temperatures have been quite mild - now the weather will be colder over much of the country, which will be a significant change.

"It's so important to remember that cold does kill, even in places where the temperatures aren't at their lowest. Most of our advice at PHE on keeping warm in cold weather may seem like common sense but people should think about how the cold weather can affect them."

London faced temperatures of -1C overnight, and the cold blast is set to continue.

A widespread frost hit the UK on Wednesday morning with temperatures reaching as low as -5C in parts of Scotland overnight.

Officials have urged families to help protect their relatives from the cold snap.

Charity Independent Age is offering free advice to elderly people and their families to beat the chill.

Lucy Harmer, director of services at Independent Age, said: "Winter can be a testing time for many elderly people if they don't have enough social, financial or emotional support in place. We would urge older people, their families and carers to take extra care during the cold snap."

The cold snap is in sharp contrast to last month, which was both the wettest and warmest December on record, when temperatures averaged 7.9C (46.2F).