Snow and frost expected as Britain prepares for big chill

Mild weather of December expected to give way to wintry blast this week, with highs of 5C (41F) in south and freezing in north

Britain is bracing itself for an icy blast over the coming week when temperatures are expected to drop below freezing and bring snow and widespread frosts.

The chill weather will be a sharp change from the mild weather last month, the wettest on record and the warmest ever December, when temperatures averaged 7.9C (46.2F).