Snow and freezing temperatures are forecast right across the North West for Wednesday night and Thursday morning, with the Met Office issuing a severe weather warning for snow and ice, which could affect journey times.

The Highways Agency is working closely with the Met Office to keep roads safe and gritters will be out treating motorways and major A roads.

Motorists are advised to be prepared with warm clothing and an emergency pack, which includes food and water, boots, de-icer, a torch, and a shovel in case of snow.

Drivers are also advised to plan their journeys before they set out, checking the forecast and road conditions, and leave extra time for their journeys.

Up-to-date information on road conditions on England's motorways and trunk roads is available by calling 08457 504030 or listening to Traffic Radio, a DAB digital station.

Lancashire ambulance service confirmed that ice and snow caused several minor road collisions across the county.

Police were called after a Mitsubishi and a Nissan Primera collided on the eastbound M55 between junction four at Blackpool and junction three at Kirkham at 6.51am on Wednesday.

The first lane of the motorway was closed while the vehicles were recovered, but no-one is believed to have been injured.

Just five minutes later a Ford Fiesta car crashed on the southbound M6 at junction 34 at Lancaster, injuring a woman and closing the first lane of the carriageway.

The woman driver of the car was taken to the Royal Lancaster Infirmary suffering from shock.

The M55 was reopened before the morning rush-hour.

>> Snow and ice causes havoc on the roads

>> Five-day weather forecast

Have you been affected by the cold weather? Contact reporter Melanie Wallwork at melanie.wallwork@lep.co.uk or 01772 838107.

Send in your severe weather pictures to picturedesk@lep.co.uk

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