SNOW and more rain is expected to hit the North West as forecasters warn of travel and flood problems.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for rain for the entire day on Thursday, with hill snow also set to cause problems in the region.

The warning is in place for Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Chester, Greater Manchester, Halton, Lancashire, Merseyside and Warrington.

A spokesman said: "Periods of rain are expected to become widespread and locally heavy across parts of England and Wales through Thursday.

"Over western areas, particularly the higher ground of Wales, some snow is also likely, with local accumulations of a few cm possible.

"Rainfall totals of 15-30mm are likely, with some spots, particularly higher ground, seeing isolated totals of 40-60mm.

The Met Office said periods of rain and hill snow may bring some disruption to transport.

Forecasters said that flooding of a few homes and businesses is likely, while bus and train services could be hit with journey times taking longer.

Spray and flooding on roads will mean there's a good chance motorists could expect delays also.