WEATHER forecasters say the chances of a white Christmas are very good and bookmakers are bracing themselves for a beating.

A spokesman for the Met Office said heavy rain and strong winds tonight and tomorrow will pave the way for snow from the north in the latter part of Christmas Eve.

A warning was issued to travellers to be aware of the potentially dangerous conditions.

Meanwhile, thousands of people are getting ready for the big Christmas getaway, with the region's airports and rail lines bracing themselves for the rush.

Durham Tees Valley Airport is expecting more than 20,000 passengers to pass through its gates during the holiday period.

The Canary Islands and mainland Spain are said to be proving the most popular destinations, with Aberdeen one of the top domestic choices.

Breaks in Dublin, Belfast, and Prague, in the Czech republic, have also generated great interest among those looking to get away.

Airport commercial manager Richard Whitehouse said: "These figures are great news and prove that more and more people are getting away during the Christmas holidays, either to visit family and friends or just simply to experience Christmas with a difference."

Train operator GNER will be running extra services to and from the region during the festive season to cope with the increased demand.

A spokeswoman said passengers were reminded that there were no trains on Christmas Day or Boxing Day.