POLICE have issued a warning to all motorists to take extra care on the roads in and around Blackpool after a spate of weather-related accidents across Lancashire over the holiday.

And according to the region's Met Office the freezing weather is set to last at least until the weekend with the temperature plummeting below zero at night and the possiblity of cold winds returning.

There were two road collisions on Wednesday (January 2) which are thought to be due to icy roads. One occurred on Dock Road, Fleetwood, and the other in Westby on the A583. Fortunately no-one was seriously injured but they come as a warning to other motorists.

Sgt Peter Blackburn of Blackpool's Road Policing Unit gave his advice to drivers in the Fylde: "Stop at home if possible and don't make any unnecessary journeys. If you must use your car make sure that you take extra care and slow right down.

"Avoid harsh acceleration and keep plenty of distance between yourself and the car in front. Also ensure that all the car windows are clear of frost and ice before setting off."

The North West Air Ambulance has also been busy as it was called to assist with emergencies in outying areas affected by the severe weather conditions.

On Saturday morning (December 29) it was called to Treales, near Blackpool, to assist with a woman who had been thrown from her horse. The air ambulance was called because of the possible injuries and the relative ease of transfer from a farm to the hospital, given the weather conditions.

It was also called by Ambleside mountain rescue to attend to a female walker in her 50s who had fallen. The patient had sustained a fracture to her right wrist and right elbow.

The incident was at Wansfell Pike in Cumbria and the journey time of the aircraft to the incident was just 17 minutes from Blackpool.

Liverpool Coastguard Watch has also issued a strong warning to parents and children to be very careful when in or near water this winter.

The warning comes as two children were rescued after becoming trapped by the incoming tide at Broughby Sands in North Cumbria, on New Year's Day.

Brian George, the Liverpool Coastwatch manager said: "We would like to warn both parents and children to be very careful when playing in or close to water, keeping a particularly close eye on the tide and weather.

"If you are ever concerned about anyone who may be in trouble at sea or on the coast, dial 999."

On a lighter note the blustery weekend weather did not stop Blackpool youngsters getting their skates on for the Razzamatazz amateur ice show at the Pleasure Beach Arena -- despite a hole in the roof.

High winds on Saturday night are thought to be to blame for a hole which appeared in the ice drome roof, leading to the closure of the main rink on Sunday morning for repairs.

Members of the public were able to skate on the adjacent Arosa Rink before the main rink re-opened at around mid-day, and Razzamatazz skaters completed their two performances that day as planned. A Pleasure Beach spokesman added: "The show did extremely well."

FOR an up-to-date report on roads across the region, call AA Roadwatch on 08705 500 600.