Temperatures have dropped below freezing for the first time since last winter during a fierce cold snap in Cumbria.

Tuesday night was the coldest of the season so far with temperatures dropping as low as minus seven degrees in some parts of the county.

A Robin at The Beacon - Alan GrahamA Robin at The Beacon - Alan Graham (Image: Alan Graham) The cold weather has led to Cumbria Police have issued a warning to motorists to ‘drive to the conditions’ due to the potential for black ice on the roads.

As rain, sleet and snow clear on Tuesday morning, icy stretches are likely to form on untreated surfaces.

UllswaterUllswater (Image: Daniel Bennett) National Highways Severe Weather Resilience Manager, Darren Clark said: “Gritters will be out treating our roads around the clock when ice or snow is forecast, but it is still important to drive to the conditions. 

“Keep your distance and reduce your speed, because even in conditions that seem normal, and where the snow is not settling, it can be slippery if ice patches have formed, or where fresh grit has not been worked into the carriageway. 

“Drivers should plan their journeys, monitor weather reports and pack a snow kit of blankets, food, water and a shovel.” 

A wintery spider's web in BramptonA wintery spider's web in Brampton (Image: Paul Grindley) Cumberland Council’s gritters have been out in force to help prevent ice patches from forming.

Despite the cold weather, local photographers have been out in force to capture the wintery wonderland left by the cold temperatures.

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Members of the News and Star Camera Club have been sending in their pictures of cold weather across Cumbria with wintery scenes a common sight for everyone over the past few day.

As we head towards the end of the week, the met office have said that there is likely to be an upswing in temperatures, with things turning milder, wetter, and possibly much windier for the weekend.