UK dreaming of a white Christmas

Bookmakers have slashed the odds on a traditional white Christmas this year, believing it more likely than at any time in the last quarter of a century.

William Hill announced their new odds, saying it is more likely it’ll snow this year than any other year in the last 25 years.

Hills have now cut the odds of the chances of snow falling in Glasgow from 7/4 to 8/11 and for Aberdeen from 7/4 to 5/6 - and they have also reduced a London White Christmas from 5/1 to 11/4, and make Cardiff 13/2 from 8/1.

Spokesman Graham Sharpe said: 'A combination of forecasts for snow on December 25 and some substantial bets giving us a potential six figure pay-out if it happens has forced us to make a White Christmas an odds-on shot for the first time anyone at the company can remember - at least for a quarter of a century.'

Competitor Coral also slashed the odds on a White Christmas to 2-1 from 7-2.

Estimates are that bookies will face a million-pound pay-out if the Holy Day predictions prove correct.

Spokesman Simon Clare said: 'If it snows on Christmas Day there will be queues of punters outside betting shops collecting their White Christmas bonus on Boxing Day.'