LANCASHIRE is set to welcome in 2009 by being the coldest place in England.

People are being warned to wrap up warm as forecasters predict the area will be “considerably colder” than expected for the next fortnight.

The big freeze is also expected to cause problems on the roads as temperatures drop to -4C.

The North West is currently on red alert under the Met Office’s Cold Weather Health Warning scheme.

Met office spokesman Barry Gromett said temperatures were around four or five degrees colder than would be expected at this time of year.

He said made the North West the coldest part of England.

Mr Gromett said: “The weather is set to remain very cold for the foreseeable future.

“We are still under the influence of high pressure and there is very little wind, meaning there is little likely change in the weather.

“It is currently considerably colder than you would expect and that is likely to be the case until at least the first two weeks of January.”

Daytime temperatures are reaching around 3C at the moment and at night they drop to around -4C.

Mr Gromett said the weather was coming from the north and east, bringing very cold and cloudy weather.

The Met Office’s current red alert supports other Government winter campaigns by alerting those most vulnerable to the effects of cold weather in advance of a cold spell occurring.

Mr Gromett added: “We are all more likely to feel the chill and catch cold or flu in winter, but for certain groups of people, cold weather can lead to more serious health problems such as heart attacks, strokes or pneumonia.

“Cold weather is serious, and those most at risk of the effects of the cold include older people, families with young children and people with disabilities or long-term health conditions.”

The Age Concern charity has published a number of tips to help people stay healthy in the freezing temperatures.

People worried about the cold weather are advised to make sure they wrap up well when going outdoors, maintain the right temperature in their home, have regular warm drinks and hot meals and get a flu jab.