AN ARMY of unsung heroes has been battling through thick snow to clear paths that local councils have neglected.

Farmers and others across North Yorkshire and Cumbria have been using their own machines and salt to clear paths which have not been touched by local authorities.

Central Government has relaxed rules for the first time this year allowing farmers to use red diesel to help clear the snow and ice.

Kentmere farmer Margaret Dickson, said no-one has been near her end of the valley and without action by her family none of the roads would be passable.

“We have been out with snow ploughs clearing snow and using our own salt. It makes you wonder why you pay your council tax, none of their wagons have been anywhere near us.

“Using red diesel has been a help, I think its meant we have saved quite a bit.”

County councillor Gareth Dadd, North Yorkshire’s executive member for highways, said hundreds of farmers in the Craven District had been working in the extreme weather to help with paths.

“Allowing them to use red diesel has meant more farmers are out doing the job we all want them to do.

"They work very hard doing a fabulous job and I’m pleased the rules have been relaxed – it's going to make contracting work out to them a lot easoer as well.”