Gritting lorries at the Cuerden depot

Preston is set for a chilly night as temperatures plummet to below freezing from Thursday night onwards.

The Met Office has issued a warning of ice forming on roads and pavements throughout Thursday evening into Friday morning.

The chief forecaster states: “Clearing skies will allow temperatures to fall widely below freezing on Thursday evening.

“Ice is likely to form on untreated surfaces, especially where they are left wet from rain, or, in some areas, where lying snow partially thaws and then freezes again.”

Gritting fleets are out treating all of Lancashire’s major routes and emergency services are urging drivers to take extra care during the Friday morning rush hour.

The chilly temperatures are due to stay with us for the best part of a week, reaching minus three degrees celsius on Saturday night into Sunday morning.