Weather respite could be on the way

Sub-zero temperatures left the West Midlands shivering again today, but forecasters predicted milder days to come.

Temperatures fell to -8C (18F) in the south of the region and are expected to hover around freezing until Wednesday. Last night the mercury plunged to -18C (0F) in North Yorkshire.

And nationally, forecasters predicted large parts of Britain could face temperatures as low as -15C (5F) this week.

But temperatures could pick up later in the week to a relatively balmy 5C (41F).

A 64-year-old man died in Darlington while clearing snow yesterday.

Fish have died at the lake at Willenhall Memorial Park because ice has caused falling oxygen levels.

Kidderminster-based radion station, 107.2 The Wyre, has introduced "eyewitness travel reporters".

The station, which covers north Worcestershire and is owned by Midland News Association, has lined up garage owners, shops and petrol stations to help provide traffic updates.