The Lowestoft area woke up today to its first heavy snow falls of the winter.Snow fell steadily during Friday evening and was still laying several centimetres deep during Saturday morning.

The Lowestoft area woke up today to its first heavy snow falls of the winter.

Snow fell steadily during Friday evening and was still laying several centimetres deep during Saturday morning.

The main roads had been treated but side roads and pavement were icy and treacherous under foot.

Although snow settled in East Anglia the region appears to have escaped the heavy falls seen in the north of the country.

Snow started to fall across the region shortly before 7pm with strong flurries in Norwich, Holt, Gorleston, and Lowestoft.

Snow had started to settle in Lowestoft but Suffolk Police said the roads had remained clear.

Gritters were out spreading salt from 2pm yesterday and continued working through the night and early hours of Saturday.

Although the cold snap is not expected to last, with milder weather due to arrive from the west tomorrow and Monday, residents were asked to consider the safety of elderly residents.

Suffolk county councillor Graham Newman, portfolio holder for adult and community services, said: “The cold weather can also heighten feelings of isolation for many people who live alone.

“Many community organisations will be making an extra effort to reach out to people who are alone and vulnerable over the winter period, so encourage people to find out what's on offer or find out yourself.”

The message from the county council is that if anyone has concerns about an elderly or vulnerable person living nearby to go and knock on their door and check that they are okay.

“Doing just one small thing to reach out to neighbours and relatives can make the world of difference, especially at this time of year when its gets dark early and it is cold outside,” said Mr Newman.