AS THE region continues to struggle in sub-zero temperatures, North Yorkshire County Council has mobilised a fleet of four-wheel-drive vehicles to help provide for the Adult and Community Service department.

Many of the region’s 5,000 miles of highways were badly affected by the snow and ice, and the council deployed a fleet of Land Rovers usually used by countryside services to help get care to older or vulnerable people.

Derek Law, corporate director for the council’s Adult and Community Services, said: “The county’s highways teams are working flat-out to keep the major transport routes across the county open and safe for motorists. But inevitably, as the bad weather continues, there will be some places which become less easily reached, particularly at higher levels.

“Our four-wheel-drive vehicles will enable us to continue to provide people with the support they need, wherever they live.

“Extreme weather generates tremendous community spirit, and we are asking people across North Yorkshire to look out for each other, to keep an eye on their neighbours, and generally to help all of us in current freezing conditions.”