Somerset is expected to see snow falling from the early hours of Tuesday as a big freeze grips England.

The temperature across West Somerset is forecast to drop to zero on Tuesday, as a cold air mass sweeps in from the north.

The Met Office is forecasting snow is likely to start at around 1am on Tuesday morning, becoming heavy on higher ground such as Exmoor until ending around lunchtime.

The temperature is then expected to drop to minus 2C on Tuesday night, with the risk of more snow in the early hours.

Wellington is forecast to see freezing conditions as low as minus 2C on Tuesday morning, with sleet and snow forecast.

The area is then forecast to experience below freezing temperatures on Wednesday, with more snow and sleet forecast in the early morning.

Travel Somerset said gritting teams were out on Sunday night to treat roads due to the low temperatures.

The Met Office forecast for the region says: “Rather cloudy on Tuesday with rain and sleet at times, perhaps some snow, especially over hills. 

“Turning brighter in the afternoon, but cloud may linger across Cornwall. Feeling cold. Maximum temperature 6C.”

The forecaster says the outlook for Wednesday is for a frosty start with rain or snow, gradually turning milder later with rain at times.