THERE are warnings of hazardous driving conditions and treacherous pathways after sleet and snow fell overnight.

St Helens woke up to snowfall this morning after freezing conditions through Friday afternoon and Saturday.

Many roads and paths were left treacherous after sleet fell and then froze on Friday.

Drivers have reported difficult conditions, especially on side roads, while some pavements “are like ice rinks”.

The pattern continued last night and through the early hours, when snow fell.

Parts of St Helens woke up to a blanket of snow this morning.

The town remains under a yellow warning for snow and ice.

The Met Office forecasts further snow today.

Police are also warning motorists in north-western England to take care while driving as they respond to road traffic collisions on several major roads.

North West Motorway Police tweeted: "Good morning folks, Snow fall this morning is causing surface water on the regions motorways.

"We are currently dealing with RTC's on the M58, M62, M61 & A556. Please take care if you are heading out today and remember to allow plenty of time & drive carefully."

Manchester Airport has closed both runways as snow falls across the region, affecting dozens of flights.

The airport said in a statement on Saturday morning: "Due to heavy snow fall, we have temporary closed both runways.

"Health and safety will always be our top priority and operations will resume at the earliest opportunity."

RAC spokesman Rod Dennis advised drivers to "be alert" and suggested football fans leave their cars at home and go on foot to watch England play France in the World Cup.

He said: "The big freeze continues today and those heading out on the roads must be alert to the risk of ice, especially in the south and west of the UK which are covered by weather warnings.

"Leaving the car at home and going on foot to watch the match perhaps makes the most sense - and especially so if people are planning on drinking any alcohol while England play France.

"Yesterday was an exceptionally busy day for breakdowns, with the equivalent of around 400 drivers breaking down every hour - similar to what we'd expect on a Monday in December."