A council has told the elderly to 'wiggle their toes' to stay warm ahead of an Arctic blast that is set to engulf Britain. 

Durham County Council gave the advice to vulnerable elderly people on its website before a cold snap which is set to see temperatures plunge as low as -8C over the next week. 

The Reform-led council's winter safety advice also included 'keep moving', 'eating well' and 'wearing several layers of clothing'. 

It comes as the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued cold health alerts for all of England from 8pm on Sunday December 28 until midday on January 5 and a snow warning for Scotland. 

Amber warnings are also in place in the North East and North West of England, covering Northumberland, County Durham, Cumbria, Lancashire and Cheshire. 

A snow warning has also been issued by the Met Office for Scotland from 6am on New Year's Day until midnight on January 2, with snow and ice expected.

Forecasters have warned that up to 30cm of snow could build up on high routes and hills in the Highlands, Perth and Kinross and Aberdeenshire.

The Met Office has issued a snow warning for Scotland across January 1 and 2, expected to affect Central, Tayside and Fife 

The Met Office's temperature predictions for New Year's Eve also predicted a cold snap this week following comparatively balmy conditions at the beginning of this month 

In England, where temperatures are expected to dip below zero, residents are being warned to take care in the cold. 

Durham County Council's advice to locals states: 'Keep moving, even if you're sitting down. Just wiggling your fingers and toes will help you keep warm.

'Try not to sit still for more than an hour or so indoors - get up and stretch your legs. Eat well - make sure you have hot meals and drinks regularly throughout the day to keep your body warm.' 

It continued: 'If you notice that an elderly or vulnerable neighbour has not been out for a few days or hasn't opened their curtains, check in on them and see if they are okay. 

'Dress for the weather and wear several layers of loose-fitting clothing. Use a walking aid if it helps you stay steady and safe.' 

A Durham County Council spokesperson said: 'The information on our warm and well web pages has been collated and approved as part of a co-ordinated partnership approach to winter wellness. 

'It includes simple, practical tips that can help people to stay warm, along with a range of information, guidance and links to some of the major partners in cold weather response such as social care teams, public health services the NHS and the fire service.

'We also use our social media channels to share messages with the public and work collaboratively before and during the cold weather season with our partners to share advice and prepare for cold weather at an operational level.