HAMPSHIRE is shivering in the midst the coldest weather in a decade, experts have revealed.

Temperatures were expected to drop as low as –10C (14F) last night as Arctic conditions continued to smother the county.

There have been sub-zero temperatures most nights since Christmas, and they have struggled to rise above freezing by day.

The deep chill has prompted warnings from nature conservation and elderly people’s groups.

Hospitals have been busier and the ambulance service said it said it received more 999 calls than normal from people with breathing problems due to the cold air. Car accidents caused by icy conditions have also increased.

Daily Echo: Click below to see a video of today's headlines in sixty seconds

The Met Office said temperatures dipped to –7C (19F) in parts of Hampshire on Monday night.

Daily Echo weather expert Mark Ching said the mercury may have plummeted further overnight.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if we hit –10C (14F) because we are going from such a low start, especially in frost prone hollows where cold air pools up in the valleys.”

John Hammond at the Met Office said the south was worst affected as it was in the grip of lingering cold air from the continent. He said Hampshire was recording its lowest temperatures since January 1997.

Overnight temperatures are likely to stay below freezing for the next few days rising to 3C (37F) or 4C (39F) degrees by day, he said, with the possibility of some snow flakes.

He warned the cold was particularly harsh for the frail and elderly.

“They are a lot more susceptible to these extreme temperatures. We have got to make sure these people take all the precautions they can,” he said.

It comes as Age Concern is urging readers to back the Daily Echo’s Good Neighbour Campaign which was launched after forecasters warned of freezing temperatures Sandra Smith, Age Concern Southampton’s chief officer, said: “We definitely back the Daily Echo campaign and urge everyone to do the same and take the time to pop in and see the old man or woman down the road you have known for years, make sure they have been able to get their shopping in and they are warm.

“I don’t think people realise how frail some old people are.”

She went on to praise the first Good Neighbour to be recognised in our campaign, Stan Stovell, who has overcome a stroke, heart surgery and cancer to help his fellow man.

● If you know someone who, like the Shirley great granddad, goes the extra mile to help others we want to hear your stories.