A prolonged period of 'bitterly cold' weather is on the way for East Anglia with day time temperatures staying below freezing.

Cold air from the continent, which is being described as 'the beast from the east', will see temperatures plummet over the weekend and into next week.

And forecasters have warned that the cold temperatures could stay around until the beginning of March.

'It is going to feel bitterly cold with temperatures struggling to get above freezing during the day inland,' said Phil Garner from Norwich-based Weatherquest. 'On the coast temperatures could peak at 3C during the day but come night time they will widely dip to -4c.'

There is also the chance of snow showers next week with some expected to be heavy.

'People need to wrap up warm and check forecasts,' added Mr Garner. 'If you are travelling next week, keep up to date with the weather.'