Tens of thousands of homes in Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire will get a share of cold weather payments, triggered by sustained subzero temperatures.

Those in areas where the average temperature has been, or is forecast to be, zero degrees celsius or below over seven consecutive days, will be able to receive the payments.

Those eligible will receive £25 for each seven-day period of very cold weather until March 31, 2023.

This comes as the region has seen black ice and harsh frosts as temperatures as low as -8.6C were recorded, following the Met Office's issuing of multiple yellow weather warnings over the last week.

The Met Office measures UK temperatures at 94 weather stations throughout the UK and provides this data to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), which says eligible households will be paid within 14 working days of a cold snap.

This is the first time this winter that the cold weather payments have been triggered in this region.

The weather stations which cover this region are at Tibenham, Wattisham and Marham.

All these areas recorded temperatures which qualify for the payments, meaning tens of thousands of homes will receive the government money.

People who may be eligible for cold weather payments are those who get pension credit, income support, income-based jobseeker's allowance, income-related employment, support allowance or universal credit and support for mortgage interest.

People do not need to claim. If you are eligible for the payment, the money will be paid automatically. 

Cold weather payments are not the same as winter fuel payments - which eligible people get towards their heating bills.

Click here to find out if you are eligible for a payment.