Cumbria is bracing itself for a freezing night, with Met Office officials warning temperatures could hit as low as -8C.

The big freeze comes after a day of snow, with many roads expected to freeze and become treacherous for motorists.

Anyone taking to the roads is urged to drive to the conditions.

Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service is warning drivers to increase the distance from the car in front, to reduce their speeds and plan extra time for journeys.

Police are also urging drivers to avoid high passes during the snowy weather after three vehicles became stranded on Corney Fell Road.

A Cumbria Police spokesperson said: "Police were called following a reported road traffic collision involving a white Audi S5.

"Two other motorists were also stranded and vehicles have been abandoned.

"The driver of an Audi, a man from Leeds, suffered a minor injury."

Cold Fell Road, Hardknott Pass, Corney Fell and Honister Pass are all currently closed due to snow.

A further warning of snow and ice has now been issued for Thursday and Friday.

The Met Office said: "Cold air either from Northern Europe, as at present, or from Canada later on, will cover the UK this week, bringing low temperatures.

"With the low temperatures, further snow is likely in places, the next batch as a front moves eastwards, bumping into the cold air and leading to some mostly light snowfalls on Tuesday morning.

"As the front continues to move away a mix of sunshine and showers will move in to northern and western areas, with the showers falling as a mixture of rain, hail, sleet and snow.

"Rain is more likely near coasts but a few centimetres of snow in some inland parts is possible."

Schools in part of Cumbria have been forced to close due to the wintry weather.