Dreams of a white Christmas have been shattered by forecasters – who instead predict our county will be battered by gale-force winds.

Gusts of up to 50mph are expected to hit parts of the North Norfolk coast on December 25, while 40mph winds are predicted further inland.

And with temperatures of 12C on the day, Norwich-based forecasters Weatherquest say there is almost no chance of snow this Christmas in Norfolk.

Instead, forecaster Phil Garner, has advised people to 'plan ahead' when travelling during the day in order to avoid periods of strong wind.

'Is is fairly common for the Christmas period to be quite windy,' he said. 'Along the coast, it will be touching near gale-force with gusts of up to 50mph.

'Christmas day looks to be mostly cloudy, with light rain in the morning and heavier rain in the afternoon.'

He said it was being brought on by a strengthening westerly wind over the Atlantic, and areas of low pressure running across Northern Britain from the west.

Meanwhile, from today, people can expect cloudy conditions with some light drizzle in the afternoon, and temperatures of 7C.

Mr Garner said there would be a wet start on Thursday morning, but it will begin to dry up later in the day with temperatures of 9C. Friday will start off dry, but rain is expected overnight and will be combined with stronger winds. Christmas Eve is forecast to have a wet and cloudy start, but could see periods of sunshine in the afternoon.

Christmas Day gusts will be much worse in the north of the country, so people are advised to be aware if they are heading that way for the festive period. Parts of Yorkshire will be battered by winds of up to 70mph, while in coastal areas of Scotland, speeds could reach 80mph.

For up-to-date forecasts, visit www.weatherquest.co.ukThe last time it snowed on Christmas Day

The last snowfall on Christmas Day in our county was in 2010 in North Norfolk, according to the Met Office.

It was recorded that year by Weatherquest, which said snow fell at its station at Weybourne at around 6pm that day.

Prior to 2010, the last time Norfolk had a white Christmas was in 1995.

None of Weatherquest's other stations around the county that year had any snow, but snow showers were recorded along the north-east coast of Norfolk.

A Weatherquest spokesman said at the tiem: 'The temperature got down to about -7C overnight Christmas Day into Boxing Day.'