NEW YEAR revellers at England’s highest pub enjoyed an extended party after 7ft snowdrifts stopped them from leaving.

The 30 party goers from the Leeds University Cross-Country Club were stuck for two days at The Tan Hill Inn, near Richmond, in the Yorkshire Dales.

Many had battled to reach the pub through atrocious conditions and some had to abandon their cars on the A66.

Mike Willemse, 44, who was helping to run the pub at the weekend, said: “The drifts are 7ft and 8ft in places. Even vehicles such as 4x4s with chains on can’t get up.

“We were caught unawares.

But everyone’s had a good time. People were peeling carrots and potatoes and helping to make dinner on an evening.

“Morale has been high – people realised they weren’t going to be trapped forever.

“We’ve had a plough, gritter and snow blower up here and everyone is making their way out now.”

Peter Richardson, 47, a DJ from Richmond, North Yorkshire, who was playing at the pub, said: “The snow outside the pub is about 2ft deep, but the problem is with us being so high up, the drifts really affect us.”

Paul Manson, 51, who visited the pub at the weekend ended up helping to rescue stranded guests.

He said: “On our way here we rescued about 17 people who got stuck on roads leading up to Tan Hill.

“I’ve been helping to get people down from the pub and back home.

“The council brought a plough to clear the way and people left in a convoy.”

The heavy snow caused transport problems for people across the North-East over the weekend – not least Barrow football fans who had travelled to the Stadium of Light to watch their side take on Sunderland in the FA Cup, on Saturday.

The A66 was closed and they faced a lengthy detour home across the A69 after their team was beaten 3-0.

Elsewhere, firefighters urged people to keep an eye on their pets as rivers and lakes became frozen.

Cleveland Fire Brigade issued the warning after being called out to rescue a dog which became trapped in a lake near Skelton Castle yesterday.

Martin Holden, from Thornaby Fire Station, said: “We would urge owners to keep dogs on a lead and to watch their step as many iced lakes have became covered in snow.”

In Teesdale, County Durham, huge icicles measuring more than 20ft long formed near Bowes.

Helen Robinson, 43, of Bowes, said: “It’s like an ice wall, it’s absolutely spectacular.”

Forecasters expect today will be dry, but are predicting more snow will fall tomorrow.

Severe weather warnings were lifted for much of the North-East and North Yorkshire yesterday.