TEMPERATURES across the county are set to fall well below freezing tonight. 

A spokesman for the Met Office said some parts of Cumbria could see the mercury plummet to as low as -7 degrees.

Higher ground with coverings of snow are expected to be hit by the worst of the cold, but temperatures below freezing is expected widely.

The cold looks set to continue throughout today, and while temperatures will rise mid-week, another cold spell is expected at the weekend.

The weather service has warned the county will face largely cold, wintry and windy conditions with widespread frost.

Rain is expected on Thursday and Friday, leading to more wintry showers as the weekend begins.

It comes days before pubs and other hospitality venues will be allowed to welcome customers back beer gardens.