Chances of a white Christmas in Bolton have not been ruled out as The Met Office released its long-range forecast for December 25 and New Year.

Meteorologists say that the likelihood of snow increases as the month goes on, but warn people dreaming of a white Christmas not to get their hopes up too high.

A more accurate forecast will be given closer to the day as snow can only be predicted days before hand.

According to the forecast Bolton's weather is likely to be unsettled.

The Met Office states: "More likely to be unsettled compared to the preceding settled spell with bands of rain crossing the UK with brighter conditions and showers in between.

"The wettest and windiest conditions are most likely in the west and northwest.

"The chance of a colder spell of weather, with hazards such as snow and ice, does increase later in December and into the New Year period. However, on balance conditions are more likely to remain generally mild and wet."

Bolton was turned into a winter wonderland albeit just for a day or so when snow fell at the start of the month.

The Met Office explained when it snows.

It stated: “Precipitation falls as snow when the air temperature is below 2 °C.

“It is a myth that it needs to be below zero to snow. In fact, in this country, the heaviest snowfalls tend to occur when the air temperature is between zero and 2 °C.

“The falling snow does begin to melt as soon as the temperature rises above freezing, but as the melting process begins, the air around the snowflake is cooled.”

It adds: “Snowfall can be defined as 'slight,' 'moderate' or 'heavy'. When combined with strong winds, a snowfall can create blizzards and drifts.

“If the temperature is warmer than 2 °C then the snowflake will melt and fall as sleet rather than snow, and if it's warmer still, it will be rain.”

In the run up to Christmas the forecast is for more settled weather into the weekend as high pressure builds close to the southwest of the UK .

"The following week sees potential for high pressure to decline allowing a return to unsettled conditions and typically average temperatures, favouring the North West for wettest and windiest conditions" according to The Met Office.