FOLLOWING the devastation caused by Storm Emma earlier this month, some of the storm heroes have been praised by their local MP.

Rory Stewart, MP for Penrith and Border, has expressed his gratitude towards his constituents who went above and beyond to help each other on a time of need when Storm Emma swept across the area. 

Mr Stewart praised the work of Mountain Rescue Teams across his constituency, who went above and beyond to support Cumbrian communities hit by Storm Emma.

Through the intense period of snow and high winds, Mountain Rescue teams across the county worked to keep the public safe, cleared roads and paths, and assisted district nurses in making essential visits to vulnerable patients.

"I am immensely proud of our Mountain Rescue teams and everything they have done for our communities throughout the recent crisis. If it wasn't for them, the situation could have been much worse, particularly in the rural areas, and many of our district nurses could not have reached their patients,” Mr Stewart said.

 “Time and again, whether it be in floods or snow, up on the fells or on our rural roads, Mountain Rescue volunteers demonstrate incredible dedication, skill and selflessness, and we could not get by without them."

Mr Stewart has also praised the work of Eden's District Nursing teams after they battled through snow and wind to care for patients during Storm Emma.

With the help of Mountain Rescue, and members of the public with four wheel drive vehicles, or farmers with tractors, teams from Kirkby Stephen, Penrith and Alston endured heavy snowfall, huge drifts, high winds and treacherous road conditions to reach patients, many of whom live in very rural or remote locations.

He visited the teams in Kirkby Stephen and Penrith to hear about their experiences first hand, and has also written letters to each team to thank them for their efforts.

"It has been a privilege to meet just some of the wonderful District Nurses who work so hard every day, but throughout the recent storms, have really gone above and beyond for their patients,” he said after the visits.

“They have had many long, hard days in often dangerous conditions. Without complaining, they have worked extra hours and gone to work on days off to support colleagues and ensure that every patient receives the care they need. Their dedication and compassion is remarkable, and we should be very proud of each and every one of them."

Mr Stewart also visited the community in Brough on Friday, to hear about the work of local heroes that stepped up to help when the community was hit by Storm Emma. 

The village was cut off by heavy snow and huge drifts, and many motorists became stranded when they found that they could not ​travel any​ further along the A66.

They were taken in by Tracey Silverwood and her team at The Inn at Brough, who ​accommodated as many as they could, and discounted the cost of food, while Simon Robinson from the local One Stop shop organised and delivered groceries for vulnerable and elderly residents. 

"This is Cumbrian spirit at its very best. Tracey and her team have been so welcoming and hospitable to those who were stranded overnight, while Simon has coordinated a lifeline for the community with his grocery deliveries,” Mr Stewart said.

“It is heart-warming to hear these stories of such kindness and resilience in challenging times, and it gives me great faith in humanity and community. I am very grateful to them all for what they have done."