Shoppers have been flocking to supermarkets today (Friday) as Havering was hit by the first heavy snowfall of the year.

Customers started stocking up on goods like bread, milk and soup as the snow started to settle on the roads and pavements.

Sainsbury’s supermarket in High Street, Hornchurch has reported an increase in the number of customers through its doors.

Ryan Wyatt, supermarket worker said: “It has been a bit mad, we have had more people coming in than usual on a Friday.

“It keeps us busy, but we are starting to run out of can goods and things like soup.”

The Sainsbury’s store in The Brewery, Romford has also been affected by panic buying.

A worker, who didn’t want to be named said: “We have sold more salt, bread and milk than we normally would on a Friday.

“Our shelves are still full because our deliveries are still coming in as normal.”

She added: “It is not unusual for people to panic buy during a cold weather snap.

“People are stocking up on things now, so they don’t have to come out over the weekend.”

The arctic weather conditions have also seen residents getting creative.

People have been sending in their snow pictures to the Recorder’s photosharing website iwitness.

You can send your pictures to news.desk@romfordrecorder.co.uk