The big freeze has caused disruption to local football with more than 200 games from two leagues which serve the area called off already this season due to bad weather.

All matches in the Gravesend League and the North Kent Sunday League were postponed last weekend due to the snow and, even if there is a thaw this week, a new threat of waterlogged pitches could hamper the weekend’s schedule.

Graham East, chairman of the North Kent Sunday League, has seen 156 games lost so far this campaign.

He said: "We had really wet weather last year and still managed to complete our programme. It is a concern and these are worrying times but I’m sure we will weather the storm.

"We are hoping for better weather this weekend but even if we get it, the frosts have gone deep into the ground and it will take a long time for it to come out."

Peter Danzey, fixture secretary of the Gravesend League, which has lost 51 games this season, said: "I would say I’m worried but it is not a big concern just yet. Because our divisions aren’t huge, there is no great concern at present. Most teams are well up on their fixtures."