'Look after each other' – that is the message today as the 'Beast from the East' tightens its icy grip on the region, with forecasters predicting further snow and plummeting temperatures.

Eastern Daily Press: Silvia Nunes out with her umbrella, during heavy snowfall in Thetford. Picture: Ian BurtSilvia Nunes out with her umbrella, during heavy snowfall in Thetford. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

Hundreds of train services have been cancelled amid predictions of further snow showers and forecasters say the cold snap will continue for much of the week.

Gritters were out on Norfolk's roads yesterday and due for another run at 3am this morning.

Yesterday saw Norfolk and Suffolk shivering in the freezing weather, with snow falling in many areas amid a yellow warning of snow from the Met Office.

With temperatures set to remain below zero and more snow forecast, a plea has been made for people to think of their more vulnerable neighbours.

Eastern Daily Press: Sledging in the snow at Meadow Park, CromerPHOTO: ANTONY KELLYSledging in the snow at Meadow Park, CromerPHOTO: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2013)

Every winter there are around 620 additional deaths in Norfolk compared to the summer – many of these deaths could be prevented.

And Norfolk Community Foundation is urging people to donate to its Surviving Winter campaign, which works with Age UK Norfolk and Norwich Foodbank to ensure people get help. Helen Tuttle, from the foundation, said: 'With temperatures dropping again this week we know there are many people within our local community struggling to stay warm and healthy.

'From those isolated in their homes, finding it harder to venture out, to those homeless on the streets in freezing temperatures, there are many reasons the cold can greatly affect health and wellbeing.

'The Surviving Winter appeal is on hand to ensure the common choice between 'heating or eating' is avoidable. Working in partnership with Age UK Norfolk and Norwich Foodbank, small grants are being provided to the most vulnerable individuals who may face crisis. Your money can still make a difference and support those managing fuel and food costs on low budgets through the Surviving Winter appeal.'

Eastern Daily Press: UEA campus in the snow. Picture: UEAGradsUEA campus in the snow. Picture: UEAGrads (Image: UEAGrads)

People have been urged to check that their elderly neighbours and relatives are okay as the cold snap continues.

Hilary MacDonald, chief executive of Age UK Norfolk, said: 'It's really important to look after each other at times like this.

'It is essential that neighbours call in to make sure that older people are okay. Many of them might not want to venture out, so it is really important that they are kept warm and that they have plenty of hot food and drink.'

And the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital issued this advice: 'With a cold weather spell predicted over the next few days, we would encourage everyone to be mindful of the latest weather updates, stay warm, ensure they are well prepared for likely travel disruptions and have sufficient stocks of food and necessary medications.

'Our services will be running as normal and we would like to thank our staff for their hard work.'

People can donate to Surviving Winter online at https://tinyurl.com/ybnkavcs

Cheques, payable to Norfolk Community Foundation, can also be sent to 'Surviving Winter Appeal', Norfolk Community Foundation, St James Mill, Whitefriars, Norwich NR3 1TN.