Ice warning in place for North East as Met Office predicts more freezing nights

But temperatures were definitely wintry as thermometers struggled to rise above 0C.

And the Met Office is forecasting similar for the start of the week with a yellow warning in place for patches of ice on roads and pavements.

Wintry showers are also expected today, which could turn to snow on higher ground.

The Met Office forecast for North East England

Today: Cold and cloudy, with light patchy rain throughout the day, falling as snow over hills. Some longer dry spells possible in the afternoon, particularly in the south. Light winds. Maximum Temperature 3°C.

Tonight: Cold and cloudy overnight, with light patchy rain in the evening and snow on hills, but becoming mainly dry in the early hours of Tuesday, with frost and ice forming. Minimum Temperature 0°C.

Tuesday: Cloudy and cold again, with light winds. After a dry start, light and patchy rain will spread south through the day, falling as snow on hills. Maximum Temperature 3°C.

Outlook for Wednesday to Friday: Wednesday cloudy and cold again, but dry with some brightness possible. Thursday cold and dry with sunny spells and increasing winds. Friday wet and windy, and gradually turning milder.