Moorland gamekeeper delivers emergency heating oil to elderly couple cut off by snow

The couple, who live in a remote property on the Barningham Estate, became stranded when their village was cut off by snow last week and a tanker bringing a heating oil delivery was unable to reach them.

They faced several days without heating until gamekeeper Matthew Pollard delivered 100 litres of oil to them on his quad bike.

Mr Pollard's actions were shared by the Yorkshire Dales Moorland Group on their Facebook page to raise awareness of the community spirit shown by estate workers during spells of severe weather.

Barningham Park in the old North Riding is the home of the Milbank baronets, who have held the estate since the 17th century. Sir Edward and Lady Natalie Milbank have modernised their businesses in recent years and have taken over the village pub, The Milbank Arms, as well as an artisan tearoom which serves game from their estate. They have also built eight new homes on the site of disused agricultural buildings.

Barningham's Pennine landscapes featured in the original BBC series of All Creatures Great and Small - Helwith Cottage, a property which the Milbanks have recently renovated as a holiday let, appears in the opening credits.