Covers are put over the turf at the Prostar Stadium in a bid to keep the pitch ready for Saturday

Big chill continues – in pictures
The big freeze – in pictures
Shropshire still resembled a land of ice today – but the county’s longest and harshest cold snap for 12 years could soon come to an end.

Temperatures are gradually rising and hopes are high the county’s two main football teams will get out on the pitch on Saturday.

John Warner, Shropshire Star weatherman, said the huge ridge of high pressure responsible for the big chill was gradually moving away into Europe.

“Cloud cover arrived in Telford by 9pm yesterday and temperatures started rising,” he said. “We may see the odd snowflake today and tonight but it will be getting warmer and should reach 5C (41F) on Saturday.

“We will have quite strong south westerly winds of 15 to 20mph by Sunday and eventually temperatures will get up to 10C (50F). And the Met Office says it looks like it will be mild for the rest of January.”

Shrewsbury Town officials said they were “extremely confident” Saturday’s League Two clash with Chester City at the Prostar Stadium would go ahead. Jon Harris, general manager, said: “We are extremely confident of the game going ahead and everything is really positive.”

AFC Telford United is due to host Hayes & Yeading in the FA Trophy, although a covering of snow this morning remained on the New Bucks Head pitch.

Lee Carter, club chairman, said: “It is due to get warmer in the next day so hopefully the groundsman will be able to get on the pitch.”