POLICE in North Yorkshire have pledged to step up patrols in rural areas badly affected by snow to support vulnerable and elderly people.

The force is working in partnership with North Yorkshire County Council, City of York Council, the various district councils and the local healthy authority to make sure anyone who might be struggling to cope or are in danger are receiving assistance as a matter of priority.

Assistant Chief Constable Tim Madgwick said: "We are very conscious that some members of the community are finding the conditions very difficult to cope with and have become virtually housebound.

"And due to the sheer scale and remoteness of certain parts of North Yorkshire, there are people who are more or less cut off from the outside world because of the snow.

"To provide reassurance and ultimately to protect and preserve life, our Safer Neighbourhood Teams will be calling at the homes of people who they feel may require assistance.

"At the very least they will provide a friendly face and a kind word during what has and continues to be a very difficult and challenging period."

Further help and assistance for vulnerable people is available from North Yorkshire Council on 0845-872-73-74 or City of York Council on 01904-551550.