Freezing temperatures in Bristol are expected to last well into January as the winter cold snap continues.

The freezing weather from Europe is set to bring temperatures as low as -3C in the centre of Bristol with some parts outside the city centre falling to as low as -6C.

But the city is forecast to escape the worse of the cold weather in the UK, with some forecasters predicting temperatures to plummet to as low as -8C in other parts of the country.

Barry Gromet, forecaster for the Met Office said: "Temperatures are expected to remain low until mid January until warmer temperatures move in from the West.

"Whilst it's not going to be terribly cold, as temperatures are expected to remain fairly constant at just below freezing, people should certainly ensure they wrap up warm.

"The chances of snow also remain extremely unlikely although we may see some drizzly spells."

The cold snap has caused water mains across the Bristol area to burst.

Jeremy Williams, a spokesman for Bristol Water, said: "The cold whether has caused a number of burst water mains in the past few weeks but have seen a fall in numbers compared to last year as temperatures have remained fairly constant.

"We are however fully prepared for any potential problems and have drafted in extra staff as an added precaution."

Bristol Water said more than 330 leaks were repaired between December.