EAST Lancashire was bracing itself for more snow today -- and wintry weather was expected to continue into the weekend.

After scattered snow showers yesterday afternoon, a more sustained snowfall set in across the area around 10pm.

Today, motorists were being advised to drive carefully in other parts of the country where the snowfall was expected to be much heavier.

But in the North West a light snowfall broken by sunny intervals was predicted, with a maximum temperature of four degrees Celsius.

That forecast was also expected to continue over the weekend, but with stronger north-westerly winds.

A Lancashire police spokesman said: "Although we have had a light dusting of snow, we haven't had any reports of major difficulties in relation to the weather."

Heavy snow was today affecting the West Country, East Anglia and southern England.

An AA Roadwatch spokeswoman added: "Drivers should stay in low gears, make sure windscreens are completely clear and take a shovel and blanket just in case."