THE Westcountry looks set to escape heavy snowfall during a cold snap which will take hold across the country this week.

Overnight temperatures in Devon and Cornwall are expected to drop as low as -4 but forecasters say the region should escape with nothing more than a heavy frost.

In eastern England, snow may return – but even there, it is unlikely to be on the scale which caused national havoc in January.

But police yesterday renewed a warning to drivers to take care on the roads as conditions could once again become icy.

In the South West, the chill is set to bite from tomorrow until at least Friday. But Devon and Cornwall are likely to remain dry, and may see some spells of sunshine. Met Office spokesman Barry Grommett said it would feel cold, but nothing out of the ordinary for the time of year. "I think we're too far west to be affected by the snow. The picture could change throughout the week, but at this point, it just looks cold. In the main, it looks dry.

"The main focus of the snow has got to be on the east side of the UK. If anything, the Westcountry is in the best position. We will see some sun throughout the week, with varying amounts of cloud and an overnight frost."

Temperatures over the past week have been milder, reaching nearly 10C (50F) in parts, as a result of cloud cover. The change in the weather is caused by high pressure to the north of the UK, which is sending down the brisk, chill winds across the country and creating clear skies.

Devon and Cornwall Police said yesterday: "We all get back into our routines when it turns warmer, but it can really help to take a bit longer in the mornings, to de-ice the car and allow a little more time for the journey.

"A lot of accidents could be avoided if people were a bit more careful on the roads."