Gatwick Airport said passengers should contact their airline before travelling after forecasters predicted snowfall in Sussex.

The Met Office warned there is a 40% chance of heavy snow showers tonight, with as much as 5cm falling in parts of the county.

The airport said it has spent £300,000 in snow clearing and anti-icing vehicles but urged passengers to check before they travel.

An airport spokeswoman said: “Weather forecasters are predicating snow in the South East over the next 24 hours.

"In the event of snow, Gatwick Airport strongly advises passengers to contact their airline for the latest flight information before making their way to the airport and to allow extra travel time to the airport.”

Flight information can be found at www.gatwickairport.com.