A cold weather alert has been extended in Dorset until mid-week as the freezing temperatures continue.

The amber alert has been extended until Wednesday, with temperatures across Dorset to remain cold - especially at night.

It comes after flooding and freezing temperatures caused chaos across Dorset last week, with roads closed due to ice and transport disruption.

The Met Office said: "There is a 90 per cent probability of severe cold weather/icy conditions between 0900 on Friday 20 Jan and 0900 on Wednesday 25 Jan across England.

"This weather could increase the health risks to vulnerable patients and disrupt the delivery of services. Please refer to the national Cold Weather Plan and your Trust's emergency plan for appropriate preventive action.

"The change to milder conditions will continue to be delayed into the new coming week with cold and frosty conditions remaining across all areas of England.

"It will be mainly dry although freezing fog may be a hazard as well as some ice. There remains some uncertainty about milder air spreading from the northwest later next week and an update will be issued no later than Monday 23 January."

Temperatures on Monday are expected to reach 5C, with Tuesday and Wednesday remaining cloudy and cold.