Public praised for help in snow

Deer in a Camberley park were caught in the snow

Police in Surrey have paid tribute to members of the public who offered help during Monday's bad weather.

The county was one of the worst hit by snow in the UK and police said residents helped to keep things moving.

Many offered 4x4 vehicles to the police and one gave a Unimog truck, usually used for aircraft recovery, to help staff get round their Guildford HQ.

The force received 2,500 calls - double the usual number - in the 24 hours to midnight on Monday.

Of those, 950 were 999 calls.

We were impressed with the willingness of people to put themselves out to help their neighbours

Temporary chief constable Mark Rowley

"Unfortunately, we have had many unnecessary calls to the 999 system, with people reporting snowball fights etc which just ties up our lines and stops true emergencies getting through," said Supt Sue Lampard.

Residents praised for their community spirit included a driver who helped a couple in Chertsey Lane, Staines.

A neighbourhood officer and a PCSO were helping a man who was in pain and could hardly stand when the driver pulled up and offered to take the couple home.

Temporary chief constable Mark Rowley also expressed his pride in his staff.

'Rose about it'

Police officers and staff worked round the clock, in some cases on 16-hour shifts, to keep the force operating.

Up to 20 staff had to sleep in local hotels or at the police buildings because they were unable to go home and other staff could not get in to relieve them.

"I want to pay tribute to the real sense of unity and partnership between people living and working in Surrey and the police," said Mr Rowley.

"We were impressed with the willingness of people to put themselves out to help their neighbours and those they had never met."