Britain has just gone through its coldest December since nationwide records began 100 years ago, the Met Office said on Wednesday.

The country shivered as temperatures averaged minus 1 degree Celsius, well below the long-term average of 4.2 degrees, and colder than the previous record for the month of 0.1 degrees hit in 1981.

Provisional figures released by the forecaster showed that December saw exceptionally cold and snowy weather across the country, with temperatures regularly falling to between minus 10 and minus 20 overnight.

The Arctic blast caused havoc with the country’s transport sector, closing roads, airports and railways and hitting retail sales during the traditionally busy Christmas period as shoppers struggled to get to stores.