White New Year expected

Much of the country could be starting the New Year with snow.

Large parts of Britain are already under a heavy blanket of snow and forecasters here are predicting the mercury will fall as we head towards 2002.

Snow showers are expected in the north and north-west of the country while nationwide, heavy frosts are expected as temperatures dip to -5C.

Met Eireann says temperatures should start rising again by Tuesday. The milder weather is expected to bring rain.