THE Allen Valleys was hit with its worst storm in half a century, with snow drifts as high as houses in some areas.

Families in rural outposts were cut off from shops and services for several days, with some forced to move away from their snowbound properties.

Tractors and 4x4s were relied upon as residents used all means possible to support each other.

They spent hours clearing roads and pathways, and providing much-needed food and medical supplies.

Nigel Baynes, who runs Allendale-based Baynes Travel, said: “Everything came to a standstill.

“I’m just old enough to remember the famous storm of 1963. It’s the worst we’ve had since then. In terms of snowfall, there has been a lot of scary stuff.”

Mr Baynes’ Land Rover had to be dug out by a farmer as he attempted to deliver a gas cylinder to a remote property.

“I got stuck on the Staward Road, near Catton, and a local farmer spent 45 minutes digging out my vehicle on Wednesday.”

The B6295 was blocked north of Catton, preventing access from the Allen Valleys to Haydon Bridge or Hexham. But despite the treacherous conditions, Allendale’s Co-op store managed to remain stocked up with supplies.

General manager Neville Pringle said: “We did all right. We managed to get supplies through okay, but Thursday was a complete whiteout. Nothing got through.

“Quite a lot of staff were off. They live just outside Allendale and there was no getting through. With the help of a local handyman and his 4x4, we even managed to get deliveries up to Carrshields and Allenheads.

“I said to one of the wagon drivers, ‘you’re a hero’ and he said ‘no, I’m an idiot!’

“We’ve been busy, but we’ve managed to keep stock and I think people are happy with the service.”