Snow showers are forecast across Bolton from 5pm and into tomorrow morning

The Highways Agency has issued an amber alert – meaning "be aware" - along with a Met Office forecast of snow showers spreading across the north west tonight and into tomorrow morning.

The showers could become frequent, with higher routes likely to have in excess of 10cm on the ground, the Met Office says.

This will be combined with strong northerly winds of between 40mph and 50mph.

Drivers across the north also are being urged to take extra care on motorways and major A roads this evening, into tonight and throughout tomorrow morning.

The snow showers could cause drifting in places – potentially leading to poor visibility, difficult driving conditions and traction issues for some vehicles, the Highways Agency has warned.

Higher sections of the M6 and trans-Pennine routes are most at risk, including parts of the A69, A66, M62 and A628.