The big freeze in Barnstaple - January 7, 2009

• The estuary was frozen for the first time this century.

THE big freeze drew scores of photographers onto the banks of the river Taw this morning (Wednesday) as overnight temperatures lower than minus seven began to freeze the estuary for the first time this century.

By low tide at 7.23am, ice had formed around Barnstaple's ancient Long Bridge and new Downstream Bridge.

The Met Office weather station at RMB Chivenor recorded a low of minus 7.1 degrees Celsius.

Spokesperson Sarah Holland said that the last time such a temperature was recorded was on January 12, 12 and 14 in 1987

PICTURES BY ANDY KEEBLE
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