Weather conditions were improving for many people, after a week of freezing weather and Christmas travel chaos.

Parts of the South will see temperatures reach a balmy 10C (50F) today, although much of Scotland will remain cold with more snow showers likely.

Last night Thames Valley Police issued a warning to drivers as ice returned to the region's roads.

A spokesman said there had been a number of reports of minor collisions on both major and minor routes during the evening, as temperatures began to drop and roads become icy and more treacherous.

He said: “Thankfully there have been no reports of any serious injuries.

“We would urge people to only make journeys where absolutely necessary and ensure that if they are making journeys, then they keep their speeds low and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.”

Friday saw an official white Christmas for some areas of the UK - including Edinburgh, Glasgow and Nottinghamshire - costing bookies who traditionally clean up from one of Britain's favourite annual wagers.

William Hill took a record 27,000 bets on a White Christmas, with almost 15,000 in London alone. Aberdeen was favourite to see snow at 4/6, with Edinburgh and Glasgow offered at 10/1.

There were no Met Office severe weather warnings for the southern half of England, but people in northern parts were being warned about widespread icy roads.

Millions are expected to get out and about as the Boxing Day sales get under way.

Forecaster Tom Tobler from Meteogroup, the weather division of the Press Association, said today would be milder with rain rather than snow, except in northern Scotland.

"It's going to be a bit milder," he said. "But it will still be cold in the north and very cold in Scotland where it will struggle to get above freezing."

Wintry showers overnight could mean poor visibility and difficult driving conditions in northern England, the Highways Agency said. In the Midlands and the south there will be patchy rain and mist.

The past week has seen scores of flights cancellations at UK airports and train disruption due to the cold weather and snow. Eurostar - which suffered a three-day suspension last week - said it was planning to run a "near normal" service on Saturday and Sunday, including ski services.