KIND-HEARTED young people came to the rescue as Oldham residents battled the elements this week.

Joe Wheeler, aged 17, and friend Daniel Whatmough, aged 16, offered a helping hand to drivers and pedestrians who became stuck in the snow on Sunday night.

The teenagers, who are both members of Saddleworth Youth Committee, were 'patrolling' Lees, Springhead, Grotton and Lydgate to see if anyone was in need.

Mr Wheeler, from Springhead, said: "We managed to help push a good number of cars up hills all over the villages as well as helping those who were out walking.

"The people we helped were just any folk we saw struggling. We had a family of four that we pushed up Bridge Street, a van sliding down Walker's Lane, in Springhead, that we managed to help down to the main road.

"As soon as we saw someone in need, we would let the other know and meet up wherever it was.

"It was a busy but rewarding night."

Mr Whatmough, also from Springhead, focused on the Springhead and Lees areas while comrade Mr Wheeler watched over Grotton and Lydgate.

Another of their goodwill gestures included helping a woman who had become stranded in Grotton while trying to get home to Uppermill.

The two recruited the help of Mossley motorbike recovery man Dez Richardson, who is known for helping with 'emergency-style' pick-ups, who was able to take the woman home to safety.

Saddleworth Youth Committee exists to give a voice to young people across the area.