People across Cumbria are waking up to sub-zero temperatures this morning - with more severe cold weather on the way.

Hard frost has hit many parts of the county this morning with cars and roads covered in ice.

In Shap temperatures dropped to -5C while at Great Dun Fell, east of Penrith, it was -3.5C at its peak. In Carlisle it also dropped below freezing.

The county is also being warned to brace itself for more cold weather with the so-called "Beast from the East" storm on its way.

Very cold air will spread from western Russia towards the UK, warn the Met Office.

A spokesman said: "By Monday it will turn very cold more widely and this will probably be the start of the coldest spell of the winter.

"Many places will remain dry into the start of next week, but snow showers are expected to develop in some places, particularly across eastern and southern England.

"The cold easterly wind will persist bringing a significant wind chill which will make it feel several degrees colder than thermometers indicate.

"There is potential for some disruptive snowfall next week, although the likelihood of heavy snow in any given location is very difficult to gauge; some places could see some significant amounts of snow, while nearby locations may receive very little."

Forecasters say it could last well into next week.