GRITTERS have been out through the night as a warning for ice is issued for parts of Dorset this morning.

After Met Office warnings for snow and ice yesterday, another ice warning has been issued for the county.

A weather warning last night said: "Associated heavy rain and strong winds may prove additional hazards.

"As skies clear this evening and tonight there is also potential for widespread ice to form quite rapidly on untreated surfaces."

Yesterday's forecast said there would be sleet from 5pm in Bournemouth, revised from the heavy snow forecast earlier.

Ferndown, Ringwood, Blandford and Wimborne were also forecast to have snow, which was predicted to be heavier in Blanford and Ringwood.

Swanage and Poole were also set for rush hour sleet.

Bournemouth Echo:

A new warning for this morning says showers of snow, sleet and hail will continue through the morning.

Low lying areas could see between two and four centimetres while high ground may see anywhere between five and ten centimetres.

It also says "a combination of snow and ice may lead to the risk of disruption with difficult driving conditions and expect longer journey times."

The Chief Forecaster says: "Following the eastward clearance of Thursday's rain, sleet and snow across southern Britain, falling temperatures will lead to ice forming rapidly on untreated surfaces here.

"A further weather system running southwards may briefly bring some sleet or snow to northern and eastern parts of the warning area. The extent of any snow remains uncertain."

The weather warning includes Scotland, Ireland, parts of Wales, London, the Midlands and east of England.

Travel Dorset said: "We gritted primary routes twice- yesterday afternoon and 8pm and local community links at 3am. EVERYONE is responsible for driving safely."