THE expected flurry of snow failed to fall in East Lancashire yesterday - but that didn't stop people preparing for a white out.

And precautionary gritting was carried out last night on hundreds of miles of roads after Met Office reports said the bad weather was on its way.

In Blackburn with Darwen, five gritters took four hours to cover 165 miles of roads.

They spread more than 92 tonnes of grit to help minimise delays and reduce accidents.

Gritting crews based in Blackburn and Whalley remained on standby today.

Supermarket bosses in the region said it had been business as usual, although stores were busier yest-erday morning as people tried to get everyday tasks completed before the expected afternoon snow showers.

A spokesman for Asda, which has stores in Black-burn, Accrington, Burnley and Rawtenstall, said: "We haven't been any busier than usual. People haven't started panic buying."

However the weather cost one motorist his car when his Renault Laguna was stolen after he left the engine running to defrost the windscreen.

Police said a man wearing a balaclava and dark clothing stole the car from Glencoe Avenue, Hoddles-den at 8.50am on Wednesday.

Lancashire County Council and Blackburn with Darwen have been on full winter alert for the past two months and this is expected to continue until April.

Last night's spread was the maximum amount of grit possible, a total of 40 grammes per square metre.

Highways engineers are constantly monitoring weather information from the Met Office and monitor roadside weather stations equipped with atmospheric and road sensors.

This enables engineers to predict when action is needed.

Blackburn with Darwen councillor Andy Kay, executive member for regeneration said: "Keep-ing traffic moving is a priority for the council.

"We will ensure users can travel on the borough's roads in as safe a manner as possible during this icy spell.

He added: "It is suggested road users think whether a journey is essential.

"If you must drive, keep a safe distance behind other vehicles and reduce speed.

"Always check the weather forecast and road conditions before you leave."

In Blackburn more than 2,000 tonnes of salt and 350 salt bins are held the Davyfield base.

Lancashire County Council's grit supply was boosted by a new "salt dome" unveiled late last year.

Built to house 2,500 tonnes of salt, the £195,000 development in Riddings Lane, Whalley, is used by gritters to serve roads in the Ribble Valley, Burnley and Pendle.

l The Met Office said light snow was expected in East Lancashire until the early hours of today.