The Met Office has issued  a ‘Level 3’ cold weather warning for Cornwall over the coming days with average temperatures expected to drop to 2°C or below and a chance of widespread ice.

Wind chill will make it feel bitterly cold tonight and tomorrow night.

With the period of cold weather expected to last at least until the weekend Cornwall’s acting director of public health, Stuart Bourne, is advising the public to take care and check on elderly neighbours.

Stuart said: "Make sure that you stay warm. If going outside make sure you dress appropriately. If indoors, make sure that you keep your heating to the right temperature; heating your home to at least 18°C in winter poses minimal risk to your health when you are wearing suitable clothing.

"If there is anyone you know who might be at special risk, for example, an older person living on their own, make sure they know what to do to stay warm and are well stocked with food and medications. If you are worried about your health or that of somebody you know, ring NHS 111”.

• If you have reduced mobility, are 65 or over, or have a health condition such as heart or lung disease, you should heat your home to at least 18C and make sure you wear enough clothes to stay warm. It's a good idea to keep your bedroom at this temperature all night.

• If you're under 65 and healthy, you can safely have your house cooler than 18C, if you're comfortable.

• You can also use a hot water bottle or electric blanket (but not both at the same time) to keep warm while you're in bed.

• Get a flu jab. Flu is a highly infectious illness that can spread rapidly. You may be eligible for a free flu jab if you're at risk of complications from flu. To find out if you can get the flu jab for free go to the NHS Choices website: http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/vaccinations/Pages/who-should-have-flu-vaccine.aspx • Eat well. Food is a vital source of energy, which helps keep your body warm. Try to make sure that you have hot meals and drinks regularly throughout the day and keep active in the home if you can.

• Wrap up warm, inside and out. Layer your clothing to stay warm and wear shoes with a good grip if you need to go outside. If possible, stay inside during a cold period if you have heart or respiratory problems.

• Help your neighbours in winter. Check on older neighbours or relatives to make sure they're safe and well. Make sure they're warm enough, especially at night, and have stocks of food and medicines so they don't need to go out during very cold weather.

If you're worried about a relative or an elderly neighbour, you can ring the Age UK helpline on 0800 00 99 66.