BRITISH people love the weather, or at least talking about it.

It's probably because we get a real mixed bag of weather in this country, as opposed to just a climate.

But whether it's complaining about how bad it is, warning about how bad it might be or pouring scorn at parts of the country who fly into a panic at the lightest dusting of snow (you know which parts we mean!), it can keep a conversation going for ages.

The recent cold snap and the snow over the weekend has been very picturesque and fun for some, but it can also present real dangers.

Weather like this can bring people and communities together and we have heard tales of individuals helping those in need and of local businesses doing their bit in their neighbourhood. And there are emergency workers and essential services who brave the worst the weather can throw at them to keep things ticking along.

You can be a local hero, too: simply by doing things like clearing icy paths; checking on an elderly neighbour or supporting charities helping those in need of food, shelter and other necessities.

It makes a real difference if we do something rather than just talking about it.