UK weather: Temperatures to reach -10C in Scotland as Britain prepares for up to 10cm of snow

The Met Office issues alerts over snowfall across the UK

Symbol of strength: The Angel of the North in Gateshead (PA)

Large parts of Britain are expected to be hit with up to 10cm of snow as the country braces for a bout of sub-zero temperatures, which could reach as low as -10C in parts of Scotland.

The Met Office has issued 14 yellow “be aware” alerts over icy conditions across Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, as well as parts of southern England, the Midlands, Yorkshire and Humber and the North East.

Overnight temperatures in Yorkshire and London dipped below zero, while Scotland saw lows of -8C.

Between 5cm and 10cm of snow will fall on higher ground in Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and south-west England with up to 4cm expected on lower ground, the Met Office says.

The onset of freezing temperatures has prompted widespread frost and ice - forcing motorists to face another hazardous commute through treacherous conditions.

With largely clear skies and no cloud cover, the public are being urged to take care on untreated roads and paths hit by frost.

Roads have been closed and buses - including school services - have been suspended until further notice in Northern Ireland, according to the BBC.

Stranded sheep near Abington in Scotland as their field is coated in snow (PA)

On Thursday, two schools were reported closed in Northumberland due to the snow.

A spokeswoman for the Met Office said: "We have warnings out in Scotland for some snow in the west and ice in the south, as well as in Northern Ireland, south-west England and into Wales.

"The East Coast will have ice warnings into East Anglia and Lincolnshire and the North East.

"Friday will see bands of cold and wintry showers moving southwards, with gale-force winds in places such as East Anglia and Kent."

Additional reporting by PA