A warning has been issued to anyone with roses in their garden before Storm Dave hits the UK. As well as bringing blizzard conditions of snow in Scotland, the storm is set to blast much of England and Wales with strong winds of up to 80mph, causing chaos on the roads, damage to properties and even a "danger to life" due to flying debris, the Met Office warned in its serious amber weather warning for Saturday and Sunday.

According to garden experts at charity Saga, households with roses in their garden, as well as other climbers like wisteria and clematis, should take action before storms.

In his advice on preparing a garden for storms, gardening expert Simon Akeroyd said: "Shrubs - and roses in particular - are susceptible to wind-rock, so prune them if you have time before the storm."

He added: "Make sure your climbers - such as wisteria, roses and clematis - are secure. You might want to prune them to take a bit of sail off - and add a few more ties so they're secure."

He also said that shrubs and young trees must be secure, adding: "Make sure shrubs and young trees are well staked. Fashion a pair of tights into a figure of eight with a knot in the middle, which should allow the tree to flex but not snap or bounce back on to the stake."

Normally, rose bushes should be pruned before this time of year, but general advice is better late than never.

Roses retailer David Austin says in its guidance: "Winter pruning is best completed while roses are dormant, and for most gardens that means January or February.

"If you notice signs of new growth and you still haven't pruned, don't worry. It is still better to prune than to leave the plant unshaped. The only real difference is that flowering may be delayed slightly later into the season.

"And if March arrives and you still haven't done it, you haven't missed your chance. Roses respond well to pruning, and they will still benefit from a cut back."

The Met Office said in its amber weather warning, set to go into force from 7pm in England and Wales: "A spell of very strong southwesterly, then westerly winds is expected across north Wales, northern England and southern Scotland on Saturday evening and overnight before easing early on Sunday. Gusts of 60-70 mph are possible widely with some coastal or exposed locations seeing gusts of around 80 mph.

"Being outside in high winds makes you more vulnerable to injury. Stay indoors as much as possible. If you do go out, try not to walk, or shelter, close to buildings and trees. In advance of high winds, check for loose items outside your home and secure them. Items include; bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, sheds, and fences."