After the conclusion of this evenings GMESLG meeting (see below ‘news’ report) on returning to their ‘home’ operational area, Oldham MRT were alerted to a coach stranded in snow, on the moorland roads in their patch.

As the coach was carrying a large number of pensioners, Oldham MRT were faced with the possibility of a night time evacuation of a large number of persons, in wintry and very cold conditions.

At 22.21hrs Mick Nield, the team Leader of Oldham MRT directly contacted our Team Leader Garry Rhodes MBE, to request that we stand by to possibly assist with our Land Rovers.

Arrangements were quickly made to have drivers available for all four of our Land Rovers, with one driver en route to our Bolton Central Fire Station garage and three others on hand at our Ladybridge Hall Base / HQ, alongside our Deputy Team Leader and Team Leader.

Fortunately thanks to the efforts of a gritting lorry, the situation was resolved and at 22.36hrs we were stood down by Oldham MRT.

This has been recorded here for information and interest only, and does not feature in our ‘Incident Listings.’