IT'S enough to make the bookies freeze with fear Britain has more chance than ever of a thick cover of snow this Christmas, scientists have said.

A study of 140 years of winter weather has found that while short showers are declining, heavy and prolonged blizzards are increasing decade on decade.

Richard Wild, director of the Tornado and Storm Research Organisation, said his study rubbished theories that Britain no longer suffers from bitter cold snaps. He said his work had examined snowfall trends since records began in 1861 and uncovered a steadily growing pattern of downfalls lasting over 24 hours.