THE big chill continued to dig its teeth in today as snow covered parts of East Lancashire.

Streets in Blackburn and Darwen were turned into a sea of white, although Burnley and Pendle escaped the worst of the weather.

Forecasters were predicting that the snow showers would die out later today although another widespread frost was expected tonight.

Drivers' softly, softly, approach to wintry weather conditions earned praise from police.

Light snowfalls over icy roads in Burnley and Pendle left many untreated side roads hazardous.

Road gritters treated all main highways in the district through the night, but untreated secondary roads and streets meant very slippery conditions for early-morning motorists, said a Pendle police spokesman.

"We expected a lot of minor accidents, but drivers have acted very responsibly and there have been few incidents." The spokesman said motorists also responded well to the "rolling block" on the M65 motorway between Scotland Road and the B and Q store in Nelson, which was restricted as contractors removed scaffolding shortly after 6.30am.

"Drivers stayed safely in line and there was no impatient overtaking which would have caused problems in the conditions," the spokesman added.

A Rossendale police spokesman also reported no problems. despite the overnight snow and frost.

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