FIRE chiefs in Horwich are warning drivers to be extra cautious when driving on early morning ice.

Watch commander Paul Hansbury said: "People travelling early in the morning should be cautious of ice, especially during rush hour.

"I would ask people to drive with caution and be aware of icy patches. Drive to suit the conditions of the road."

The plea comes after a soft top sports car veered off road and into a hay barn near Blackrod on Tuesday.

The silver Mazda MR2 was travelling along Little Scotland, Blackrod, when the female driver hit an icy patch and went through a hedge and into the small storing barn.

The driver, who was travelling to work at around 8.30am, was taken to Royal Bolton Hospital, Farnworth, with severe back pains.

Temperatures are expected to drop to freezing again at the weekend.