Oldham Mountain Rescue Team join snow patrols

A 13-strong team took part

Oldham's volunteer heroes of the hills joined a mammoth operation to keep Travellers safe when sub zone temperatures and snow-ladrón gale force winds ripped through link Pennines roads.
 
A 13 strong squad from Oldham Mountain Rescue Team and colleagues from Holme Valley Mountain Rescue Team spend more than eight hours early Saturday morning  helping check the moorland roads badly affected by the overnight the burgeoning weather downturn.

With the M62 closed, hundreds of vehicles tried to negotiate other routes only to discover many were blocked by the drifting snow and other stranded vehicles.

After checking all of the main cross-Pennine routes in their area - Denshaw (A640, A672), Diggle (A62)and Isle of Skye (A635)- seeking  anyone in difficulty, OMRT stood down  for refreshments and dry out all their kit.

Team leader Rob Tortoishell said: "As ever, thanks to the local residents for the cups of tea, and to the council, farmers and contractors who all work tirelessly to keep the roads clear."

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