CHANCES of a white Christmas are looking brighter as snow and freezing temperatures are predicted this week.

Jo Thewlis

CHANCES of a white Christmas are looking brighter as snow and freezing temperatures are predicted this week.

Suffolk-based weather expert Ken Blowers said a cold snap from Wednesday could lead to the coldest weather of the year so far, with temperatures peaking at just 3C.

“We've got cold days ahead,” predicted Mr Blowers. “There is the potential for some sleet or snow.”

Cold winds from Eastern Europe and Russia could blow in the first snow on Christmas Day in Suffolk since 1970.

Bookmakers William Hill have slashed odds on a Christmas-card scene after they saw a 1,000% increase in bets on a festive snowfall this week.

One gambler placed a five-figure flutter on Britain waking up to a dusting of snow on the big day.

Gritters have been on high alert over the weekend as bitterly cold weather moved in.

London is now a 9/2 bet for a White Christmas while Cambridge could also see fairytale scenes with odds of just 4/1 on snow on December 25.

Mr Blowers said: “It is moving towards snow on Christmas Day.

“But although some people may be dreaming of a white Christmas, they may be disappointed as the chances are always low.”