It wasn't quite what Bing was singing about, but a smattering of snow fell on Christmas Day across North Yorkshire.

The small flurries did not get a chance to settle before turning to rain, but it was still enough to put a smile on faces of youngsters across the county. An impromptu football match in the car park at the Rose & Crown, York, ground to a halt as the Australian licensees and their friends rushed to get cameras to mark the snowfall.

"It wasn't much snow but it was enough to stop our match," said Paul Clarey, joint licensee.

"It makes Christmas seem a little more real."

Bookies across the country were said to have been less pleased at the sight of snow. Many were understood to be bracing themselves for expensive payouts.

William Hill said the snow could cost them £50,000. Hills had cut their odds on a White Christmas in the North from 8-1 to 4-7.

Meanwhile more serious snow was on the way overnight, and we could wake up tomorrow to see a couple of inches of snow on the ground.

dan.rutstein@ycp.co.uk