A RED warning for snow was issued to North Wiltshire by the Met Office for the first time in half a decade, as sub-zero temperatures gripped the region.

Last weekend saw Storm Emma attack the county with blankets of snow, high winds and freezing temperatures.

The weather caused chaos as huge snow drifts resulted in impassable roads, stranded vehicles, and put stress on hospitals and other services across the region.

As nurses and vulnerable people battled the snow, the community came together to help each other, working tirelessly through the day clearing roads and transporting people to safety.

There are many unsung heroes across the region who did their part to help in the snow.

Cotswold Balloon Safari was one of those who worked throughout the weekend, helping transport people across the region when Storm Emma struck.

The team based in Malmesbury, offered lifts to anyone who needed one in their 4x4’s from Thursday through till Saturday, working shifts as long as 13 hours per day.

Owner and chief pilot Mike Jennings, chief crew member Simon Bell and other members of the team all gave lifts to nurses, carers or anyone who was stranded, as well as delivering emergency supplies to homes that needed them.

Owner and chief pilot Mike Jennings said: “We like being part of the local community.

“I grew up in the city, but I love the tight community feel in Malmesbury, so it was important for us to contribute.”

Another unsung hero from the weekend were the farmers who gave up their weekend to help clear the roads.

One of those was Phil Potter, 22, from Dauntsey who cancelled his trip to the Young Farmers Weekend in Weston Super Mare to help clear the roads in his tractor and snow plough over the weekend.

Phil did 12-hour shifts helping clear roads around Brinkworth and the rest of Wiltshire.

He said: “I just wanted to help out.

“I felt that I should prioritise cleaning up the roads because I didn’t want to see people stuck and in trouble.

“I had a snow plough and someone in the tractor as well, we were busy, but I was more than happy to do it and the council were grateful.”

The support of the community also saw a wedding take place on Saturday as Hilary and Andrew Willy tied the knot at Malmesbury Abbey. Despite the weather, and a few guests who were snowed in, they battled on with the help of friends and family to have their white wedding.