DORSET looks set to avoid most of the snow forecast for the UK this week.

But the county will remain cold with temperatures ranging between minus 1 and 5 degrees from now until the weekend.

Light snow, rain and sleet is forecast for Tuesday with the Met Office issuing a yellow 'be prepared' warning for ice, which is valid until 12noon on Wednesday.

The warning reads: "As temperatures fall below freezing on Monday night into Tuesday morning icy stretches are likely on untreated surfaces especially in areas where any further sleet, snow or rain has fallen on Monday.

Gritting teams will be out in Poole tonight from 7pm to grit major routes and from 7.30pm in Bournemouth.

South West Trains plans to restore its normal weekday timetable tomorrow after operating a revised reduced service due to the weather.

All lines will reopen with trains calling at all stations, although some services may be subject to alteration and formed of fewer coaches than normal.

Test trains will run over lines which have been closed over the last few days due to icy weather conditions. With freezing temperatures expected to continue in parts of the UK over the next 48 hours, services will continue to be reviewed according to the developing conditions.

Bournemouth residents had their bin collections cancelled on Friday due to the weather but they have been advised to keep their bins out as catch-up collections are taking place this week.

NHS Bournemouth and Poole have issued the following five point advice for this winter:

1. Stay indoors in snow and ice, unless you really have to go outside. This is especially important for the old and frail.

2. Grit and clear the paths near where you live, if you are fit and capable. (Don’t use water to do this.) You are very unlikely to be sued if anyone slips.

3. Report particularly dangerous ice on paths to the council.

4. If you have to go out, wrap up well.

5. Staying indoors, keep the heating on, and keep wrapped up.

See all our coverage of last week's snow, winter driving advice and information on staying warm at bournemouthecho.co.uk/snow