AN AMBER weather warning for ice has been issued for Cumbria.

The Met Office have issued the alert - the second highest warning - across Cumbria, the north east and the south of Scotland.

The warning, which is in effect from 10am on Saturday until 6am on Sunday, forecasts freezing rain, and expects to result in the rapid development of widespread ice, with very dangerous travelling conditions likely.

Meanwhile, Saturday's yellow warning for snow and ice has been brought forward to start at 9am on Saturday morning, rather than midday. That warning will be in place until 9am on Sunday morning.

Steve Willington, chief meteorologist at the Met Office, told the News & Star: "Heavy freezing rain is expected to develop during Saturday.

"This will result in the rapid formation of widespread ice on roads, pavements, trees and other structures.

"Freezing rain is rare in the United Kingdom but when it does occur the impacts can be very severe.

"This is due to the fact that it can form very quickly, it can be difficult to see and is incredibly slippery.

"Some sleet and snow is possible over the very highest ground and the freezing rain may also be followed by a spell of sleet and snow as the precipitation clears from the west.

"The freezing rain and sleet and snow will be accompanied by strong southeasterly winds which will pose an additional hazard to travel, in particular over high ground."

Keep up to date with the latest forecast for your area here.