The big freeze hit Britain hard last night as temperatures plummeted to -9C.

Much of the country woke up to a hard frost this morning and the weather is expected to stay bitterly cold during the first part of the week.

Despite the freezing conditions, many areas had bright sunshine with clear skies forecast for the rest of today.

Experts predict this month could end up being one of the coldest Februaries in 10 years despite the mild few days enjoyed by many earlier this week.

A Met Office spokesman said: "The coldest places are likely to be along the Welsh borders and across the Pennines where it could get down to -9C and it's likely to be well below freezing everywhere else."

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He added: "We are definitely feeling wintry temperatures at the moment, and despite a dry and sunny Sunday there won't be any let-up on Sunday night.

"There will be widespread cold. London should see -6C (21F) on Sunday night."

Temperatures in Yorkshire and Humberside dropped to 5C (23F) on Friday night and -4C (25F) across the whole of the East Midlands and in Bristol.

Forecasters expect a heavy frost tonight with mist and fog hanging around during this morning.

Full article here.