THE big freeze is threatening to bring with it an unhappy Christmas for many families.

Many people are cancelling plans to travel to loved ones for Christmas because of the travel chaos caused by the weather.

And there are many thousands of Christmas presents that will not reach their destinations in time for the big day because of huge delays in the distribution network.

The freezing conditions have even hit the traditional Worcester News Carol Service, planned for Worcester Cathedral tonight.

We have taken the decision to cancel the event because of the dangerous state of the roads and pavements.

We are sorry to disappoint the many hundreds of our readers due to attend the service but we are sure they will understand our reasons.

Few of us have experienced temperatures as low as they have been in the last few days in the county.

So low have they been that grit has become ineffective even on major routes, leading to gridlock in and around Worcester yesterday.

Conditions are treacherous on many roads around the county and we would urge people to heed the advice of the emergency services – only travel if you absolutely have to.

There has been plenty of the Christmas spirit in evidence as people have helped others stuck in the snow or checked in on their vulnerable neighbours.

It has been good to see so many communities pulling together at a tough time for many people.

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