With a thaw expected to take place in most parts of the country this weekend, British homeowners have been offered some advice on how to protect their properties from damage.

According to insurance provider Liverpool Victoria, there are a number of steps people can take to keep their house safe.

Homeowners are advised to check their gutters for snow damage, move furniture away from frozen pipes and leave the heating on low throughout the night.

John O'Roarke, managing director of the company, commented: "It's worth giving your home the once over just to check for unexpected damage and don’t forget to check garages and sheds where you might have outside pipes or store liquids that may have frozen, expanded and cracked their containers."

Speaking last week, Martyn Foulds, a senior claims manager at Halifax, said the average cost to repair damage caused by a burst pipe is £2,000.

Posted by Emily Sanders