Yorkshire bands have been battling the elements over the last 48 hours or so to ensure they've been able to put the final touches to their Area contest preparation ahead of their appearances at Huddersfield Town Hall on the weekend.

Two feet of snow

However, earlier today conductor Ian Porthouse was wondering whether he would make it to Carlton Main Frickley's Friday night rehearsal as the weather in south Wales had left over two feet of snow outside his front door and his car unable to get out to the main roads.

Help though came in the form of Paul Haigh and a great old four wheel drive Land Rover — and all the way from South Elmsall — a little matter of 201 miles away.

It was really looking like a problem this morning as my car couldn't make it onto the main roads. Paul simply said no problem and a few hours later he was knocking on the door ready to take me to bandIan Porthouse

Four hour trip

Paul set out on a four and a half hour drive to reach Ian (above) — and even helped out with shifting a bit of snow before a quick cup of tea and the trip back north in time for rehearsal at 8.00pm.

Ian told 4BR: "It was really looking like a problem this morning as my car couldn't make it onto the main roads. Paul simply said no problem and a few hours later he was knocking on the door ready to take me to band. What a bandsman!"