Gillingham's game against Blackburn Rovers has been called off 'in the interest of spectator safety'.

The Gills were set for their biggest game of the season, against league leaders Blackburn, but the cold weather had led to it being postponed on health and safety grounds.

There were 1,200 travelling fans set to watch the game but they were to be seated in the open Brian Moore Stand, which was covered in snow and ice.

A Gills statement said: "Staff and volunteers worked tirelessly on Saturday morning to clear the affected areas, but to no avail.

"Following an inspection by the match referee, despite the pitch being potentially playable, the amount of snow that has fallen has caused a health and safety concern for all supporters.

"In addition more severe weather is expected before 3pm and the club wanted to make a decision at the earliest possible opportunity to inconvenience as few people as possible."

Blackburn said in a statement that, "whilst the pitch was playable, heavy snowfall had caused a health and safety concern for supporters inside the stadium."

Away fans are often moved when the weather is bad, into the covered Gordon Road Stand, but only usually when travelling in small numbers as that area is mainly used for home supporters.

It's the second time in succession that the Gills have had to call their game off because of the weather, with snow and ice leading to their fixture against Rotherham United being called off.

A new date with Blackburn will now have to be agreed.