A RESTAURANT supervisor went more than the extra mile to show her dedication to work when she walked nearly 15 miles in the snow to make sure she started her shift on time.

Undeterred by the lack of taxis or public transport when her car got snowed in, Sarah Hodgson got up at 5am to walk from her home, in Delves Lane, near Consett, to Oldfields Restaurant, in Durham.

The Northern Echo: Map showing Sarah Hodgson's 15 mile walk to work.

The 28-year-old, who has not missed a day’s work in two years, was modest about her efforts, telling only a close colleague.

Ms Hodgson said: “I tried to get through to the taxi companies, but they were not running on Saturday night and couldn’t find out whether they would be able to take me to work.

“So I got up early and set off at 6.15am. It was snowing lightly, but I was warmly dressed, with three layers of clothing.”

She added: “There was little traffic. As I got near Langley Park, I did wonder how much longer it was going to take me.

“I made it in four hours. I thought it would take longer.”

Restaurant owner Bill Oldfield said: “She is so modest about it. I was not working on the day and only found out about it until later. I was absolutely astounded. You get some people who will ring at the drop of a hat because of runny nose.

“You cannot wish for greater dedication.”

Mr Oldfield added: “Sarah was due in at 11.30am on Sunday and her first bus would not have left Consett until 11.15am.

“She could not get hold of a taxi the night before so she decided to get up at 5am to set off on foot.

“She actually got here an hour and a quarter early.”

Fortunately, she did not have to walk home – a colleague gave her a lift.