THE BIG chill was digging its teeth in today as freezing temperatures continued to send a shiver across East Lancashire.

And forecasters have predicted that the cold snap could run into the New Year.

Pensioners were today advised to wrap up as temperatures dropped to as low as -9 in parts of East Lancashire last night.

The Manchester Weather Centre reported that night time temperatures would not be as low during the next 48 hours. But a spokesman said the arrival of cloud and wind would make the weather more unpleasant.

He said sleet and snow was also likely to fall on Sunday.

Council gritters were out in force to treat the main routes, but motorists were urged not to drive unless it was absolutely necessary.

The AA was forced to draft in extra staff after they were deluged with emergency call-outs, but some stranded motorists still had to wait up to five hours for assistance

An AA spokesman said: "If you do have to go out, make sure your car is in good mechanical order, take a flask and blankets with you and if possible take a mobile phone."

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