PARTS of East Lancashire began to resemble a winter wonderland yesterday as the first signs of a white Christmas descended.

As temperatures remained sub-zero across much of the region, snow fell across Rossendale, Hyndburn, Burnley and Darwen.

Temperatures overnight on Wednesday were the coldest experienced so far this winter, according to experts.

John Lee, a forecaster with MeteoGroup, said: "It was generally the coldest night of the winter so far.

“Looking ahead over the coming week, it is expected to continue cold with an area of low pressure forming to the east in a few days’ time.”

According to the Met Office, there was further snow expected on higher ground overnight, but most places should have stayed dry.

Today is expected to be cold and windy, but there could be some sunny spells and temperatures could get as high as six degrees.

  • Last night 1,700 properties in Langho were plunged into darkness due to power cuts at around 7pm. The Lancashire Telegraph Grass Roots Awards being held at Mytton Fold Hotel were forced to continue under candlelight after the hotel lost power in the cut.