KIND-HEARTED Dorset and New Forest residents took strangers into their homes as heavy snow left hundreds stranded on Thursday night.

Many of those trapped in their cars on stretches including the A31 and the A338 Spur Road were offered hot drinks, the use of toilets or a bed for the night by people living nearby.


A group of farmers voluntarily used tractors and ploughs to clear the A31 of snow, while in Verwood and Ringwood, residents with four-by-fours offered to rescue motorists forced to leave their cars and begin walking home.

One woman took to Twitter to report her concerns for her elderly father-in-law, who was stuck on the carriageway in the New Forest.

The tweet, shared almost 100 times, was spotted by a motorist several cars behind.


Kirsty Brock, a lecturer at Winchester University, replied: “I’ve just spoken to him and he has borrowed my phone to call home.

“He is fine and in good spirits. I’m just a couple of cars back so if you want to get hold of him just get in touch.”

Members of the public also attempted to bring food and drink to drivers trapped on the stretch. A woman threw cereal bars from a bridge to drivers below.



The storm also prompted many other, smaller acts of kindness. In Bournemouth and Poole, groups of people gathered in the streets to help push cars trapped in ice and snow.

Volunteers also opened community centres and made teas for residents affected by the snow.

Many others took the time to check on neighbours, family members and friends.

Jenni Hanney, who became trapped on the Dorset Way, praised a group of men in Albert Road, Parkstone who stayed out late to help motorists push cars.

Laura West, who was also stuck on the stretch with her toddler for eight hours, praised the “amazing community spirit” in Alderney West as strangers gathered together to help others get home safely.


In Bournemouth, eight Yellow Bus drivers volunteered to help drivers trapped in Poole Hill.

Managing director David Squire said: “All our team are doing a fantastic job in incredibly challenging conditions.

“However I’m particularly proud of these eight drivers, together with supervisor Mike Corbin, who really went the extra mile and volunteered to help stranded motorists.

“It was teamwork at its very finest.”