Families still stranded by deep snow

Some families in remote parts of Northern Ireland are still stranded in their own homes, cut off by large snowdrifts.

One woman, Patricia Ward from Dundrod in County Antrim, contacted the BBC looking for help.

In an email, sent from her iPhone, she wrote: "My husband and I have been trapped since Thursday night.

"We had no electricity for three days. We cannot get out and have run out of essential food.

"My husband needs his medication renewed as he is registered as disabled, with heart, breathing problems.

Offer of help

"Also have run out of food for the goats. Our lane is 400m long and is completely covered with six to eight foot snowdrifts.

"We need a snow plough or digger to dig us out we are desperate. Please help."

When a BBC reporter went to try to find her, it took 20 minutes to walk through the deep snow to reach her front door.

During filming, a JCB driver from Lisburn arrived and offered to help.

However, he made it clear that it may take more than 24 hours to clear the snow, given its depth.

The Ward family now have more food and their electricity supply has been restored.

Nonetheless, like many families in remote areas, it will be some time before normal life can resume.