TEMPERATURES in York were expected to drop to -10C degrees last night – making it the coldest place in the country.

As the big freeze continued to grip North Yorkshire, NHS bosses and fire service officials issued warnings and advice to residents going out in the treacherous conditions.

A spokesman for NHS Yorkshire and Humber said: “If you have an elderly parent, relative or neighbour, by just offering to go to the shops for them or gritting their garden path you can help them to stay indoors where it is warm and you could also be helping them avoid a trip to A&E.”

Humberside Fire Service urged dog walkers not to walk their pets on or near frozen water, and said if an animal was to fall through the ice, to phone 999 instead of going in after it.”

Although the ice and frost had continued, a police spokesman said the number of car accidents caused by the weather was low.

Between noon on Monday and noon yesterday, there were 14 collisions reported to police across the county, compared to 60 in the previous 24 hours.

North Yorkshire Police said there were no accidents reported in Selby, and three in the York area.

A force spokesman said: “Since the high volume of incidents on the roads over the weekend, we have seen a reduction in the number of collisions and we thank the vast majority of the public for taking care and being sensible in very difficult driving conditions.

“There is further cold weather forecast over the next few days and we urge anyone using the roads to drive according to the conditions.” In one of the incidents, a 47-year-old York male driver of a Vauxhall Astra suffered a fractured wrist in a crash with a Land Rover, being driven by a 35-year-old woman, who suffered a neck injury. Both drivers were taken to York Hospital after the incident, at Castle Howard, at about 1pm on Monday, but have since been released.

Meanwhile, a team of volunteers dubbed The Riccall Snow Patrol, took to the streets to help residents affected by the snow and ice in the village near Selby. Lindsey Ryan, parish council clerk, said: “Last winter, lots of residents were complaining to us about the fact that they were cut off from local services and did not feel confident to walk on the icy footpaths.

“The scheme has involved some effort and organisation but the sense of community spirit has been fantastic, with lots of residents coming out of their houses to say thank you.”

The Met Office warned of freezing fog today, which should clear by the afternoon. But the weather is expected to remain cold, with risk of widespread ice from overnight rain tomorrow.