A WEATHER warning has been issued by the Met Office for snow and hail across East Lancashire this week.

Gritters have been out in force across East Lancashire as difficult driving conditions are expected on motorways and other areas.

Showers fell as sleet, snow and hail in the north of England and the threat has spread to parts of Wales, the Midlands and southern England yesterday, a Met Office spokesman said.

The warning has been extended further south and east to cover small amounts of snow, including in southern parts of England.

There is expected to be between two and six centimetres of snow in places of North England, especially on higher ground above 100 metres to 200 metres.

A Met Office spokesman said: "Delays to travel are expected. with a possibility of cancellations of public transport too.

"Some roads and pavements will turn icy, with an increased likelihood of some accidents and injuries this morning."

A deepening area of low pressure is expected to track east across the UK during the night and into Thursday.

Across some central or northern areas, a spell of persistent and perhaps heavy snow may develop.

This could see between three and eight centimetres of snow accumulate in places with up to 20 centimetres over high ground.

There remains uncertainty regarding the extent and location of any heavy snowfall.