SUB-zero temperatures could bring the coldest night of the year to Britain, as warnings are issued that more disruption-causing snow is on its way.

Arctic air hovering across the UK will cause the mercury to plummet on Thursday night, with temperatures below minus 13C (8.6F) expected in parts of Scotland.

However, temperatures in Worcestershire look more likely to drop to a more respectable minus 1C.

The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for ice in the West Midlands.

Icy patches are expected form between 2am and 9am on Friday morning as a band of rain, sleet and snow pushes north eastwards across parts of England.

Some roads and railways are likely to be affected leading to longer journey times by road, bus and train services. Some delays to air travel are also possible. Some injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces are possible.

However, some people have been enjoying the snow as this picture of Josef Jackson, seven, and Corieme Preston sledging on the Malvern Hills shows.

Elsewhere in the UK, more heavy snow is predicted to fall, with the Met Office issuing an amber warning in anticipation of the white stuff covering the east Midlands, North West and Yorkshire.

The Met Office warning predicts accumulations of up to 10cm (4ins) are likely and up to 15cm (6ins) could fall over higher ground.

"Travel delays on roads are likely, stranding some vehicles and passengers. Some delays and cancellations to rail and air travel are likely," the Met Office warned.

"There is a possibility that some rural communities could become temporarily cut off. Power cuts may also occur."

The amber warning is in place between 4am on Friday until 11am.

Met Office spokeswoman Nicola Maxey also warned the country could see the "coldest night of the year so far" before snow blankets parts of the country.

"The coldest temperature we have seen this year is minus 13C in Scotland, and we are likely to see temperatures slightly below that," she added.

"But we are not talking about those extremes in the town and city centres, it is out in rural areas, more exposed areas, particularly over lying snow where you see temperatures drop the most."

The RAC said ice today caused an "incredibly busy" morning, and as a result of the conditions dealt with a number of battery failures, minor bumps and shunts, and skidding.

Meanwhile the AA described the country's roads on Thursday as "appalling" due to the "dicey icy roads".