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South Central Ambulance Service has doubled its amount of 4x4s and bought special "snow socks" for its ambulances with snow forecast in the coming days.

The service, which covers Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Hampshire and Buckinghamshire, admitted vehicles had problems getting around last winter.

It now has more 4x4s and purchased fabric "snow socks" which can be put on ambulance tyres for traction.

It comes as snow and ice is forecast to hit the region over the next week.

John Dyer, from the service, said: "Obviously last winter was a very trying time for us but we have used the months since then to really improve our preparedness.

"There were two problems last year, getting around was very difficult and also slips, trips and falls that generated a lot of calls from the public.

"We've looked at traction devices for ambulances and purchased a large amount of snow socks which can be put on tyres quickly for traction and removed when the conditions are better.

"We looked at snow tyres for the fleet but ambulances have to be taken off the road to get them fitted and again when they are removed."

The service said it has put aside a special budget to cope with extreme weather this winter.