Last updated at 13:53, Friday, 01 January 2010

Six people had to be airlifted to safety after drifting snow left them stranded on a rural road into Cumbria.

Mountain rescuers aided by an RAF helicopter were called to stranded people between Middleton-in-Teesdale in County Durham and Brough in Cumbria.

They were taken to safety at Middleton and Kirkby Stephen.

Volunteers from Teesdale and Weardale and Kirkby Stephen mountain rescue teams were involved in the operation on Wednesday. 

The leader of the County Durham team, Mr Dave Bartles-Smith said: "We would like to remind motorists the we have some of the highest roads in England in County Durham.

"These roads can become impassable very quickly if the wind blows snow across them.

"Can we ask motorists who may use these roads to consider the conditions before they set out and to carry warm cloths, food and a shovel."

First published at 10:18, Thursday, 31 December 2009
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk