I would like to say a heartfelt thank you. Like many others I was stuck in the snow in the South Hams for two days, as I had been traveling on business.

Last Thursday, late afternoon, it became obvious that there was no route out of Totnes for those of us with cars rather than 4x4s.

I had travelled prepared with a shovel, sleeping bag, food and water etc, and it looked like I would be spending the night in the car.

However, the Seven Stars Hotel really stepped up. It was full but staff handed out the few ‘Z’ beds they had and kept the bar room open for people to sleep there, handing out bedding.

The staff had not been able to get home themselves and had given up their own beds to sleep on the floor.

Busy as they were, they remained smiling, friendly and so helpful throughout.

I know at least one local church had also opened its doors and the council had also opened the Civic Hall for stranded visitors, I believe.

To the guys in the 4x4s who were helping the stuck cars with shovels and offering lifts, thank you.

To the guy with a truck that towed me out of an impossibly stuck situation coming into Totnes, thank you.

To the lovely young mum with the two kids and dog that offered me hot water to melt the car lock and the offer of tea and warmth any time, thank you.

To the tree surgeon guy in his truck who stopped when he saw me digging my car out of the layby on Saturday morning, jumped out and towed me free, thank you.

Totnes you really stepped up and I was humbled by the ‘Dunkirk Spirit’ that I saw during my visit. Humanity at its finest. I will definitely return in the summer and I will stay at the Seven Stars and raise a glass to you all.

 With gratitude and affection.

Raine Leary

Caversham, Reading