Temperatures are expected to plunge below freezing tonight as the cold snap continues its grip on Sussex.

Motorists awoke to a frosty start today and dozens of drivers fell victim to the icy road conditions. There were a number of minor accidents and a spokesman for East Sussex Fire Brigade said: "We are aware there have been motorists slipping and sliding."

The county was gripped by cold weather all weekend with snow and sleet hampering driving conditions.

Tonight New Year's Eve revellers were being warned to wrap up as temperatures could plunge as low as -5C.

But the big freeze which has gripped many parts of Britain is on its way out. A Weather Centre spokesman said: "Despite predictions of -5C in central and southern England we are over the worst of it. The snow is on its way out and it looks as though it's going to get warmer over the next few days."