Brits face the coldest January night for 15 years on Thursday, according to Met Office data, as temperatures could drop to -16C with snow and sleet battering the country

The amber alert is in place between 2pm and 9pm on January 8, the Met Office forecasting service and weather agency said.

National Rail is also warning travellers to check their journeys in light of the Met Office yellow warnings for snow and ice still in place.