EMERGENCY teams deployed during wintry weather in Notts have urged residents to be prepared as the big freeze continues.

The emergency services have revealed that more than 3,400 calls were received during the weekend as snow and ice covered the county.

British Red Cross teams were brought in to support the East Midlands Ambulance service. They transported patients and helped stranded travellers.

And with temperatures set to plunge again tonight, to -3°C in Notts, residents have been asked to prepare with appropriate clothing, food, equipment and contingency plans.

Peter Ripley, director of operations for East Midlands Ambulance Service, said the increase in calls was due to more road traffic collisions, slips or falls and people experiencing breathing problems due an existing medical condition and the low temperatures.

He said: "The bad weather is set to continue and people are urged to heed the advice offered by the emergency and health services and to use common sense."

Elderly people are particularly at risk during the cold weather and as part of its work the British Red Cross team has been checking on them at home.

Simon Lewis, the British Red Cross head of emergency response and planning, said anyone with an elderly neighbour should keep an eye on them as the cold snap continues.

"With forecasts predicting more snow falls, we are most concerned about the welfare of vulnerable people," he said.

"Elderly people are especially prone to hypothermia and pneumonia.

"Unfortunately, they are also the most likely to be living in older houses without adequate heating, so we advise people to call in regularly on elderly friends, neighbours and relatives to see if they need help staying warm or getting provisions."

To help elderly people get through the cold season, Age UK has produced the Winter Wrapped Up booklet.

The kits include two thermometers for elderly residents to hang in the bedroom and living room.

Senior manager at Age UK John Wheeldon said the temperature of living rooms should be around 21°C (69F), while bedroom temperatures should be at least 18°C (64F).

"Our general advice for elderly people is to eat hot food and drink hot drinks," he said.

"People should also close the curtains as soon as it begins to get dark before there's a real change in temperature.

"Layers of clothes should be worn and blankets and coats should be added to beds.

"One of the most important things is that among older people there's this misconception that leaving the bedroom window open is healthy but this isn't the case and in the cold it can be dangerous."

The cold weather has caused disruption to public transport.

Nottingham City Transport was forced to suspend its services on Saturday and diversions have been in place on routes 39, L3, L4 and L14.

Yesterday afternoon the only diversion that remained was on the L14 and marketing manager Anthony Carver-Smith expected all routes to be back to normal today.

He said: "We've coped very well and we should be back to normal for the rest of the week unless we get any more snow and bad weather."

East Midlands Airport and East Midlands Trains reported no problems.