A volunteer rescue team from Oldham came to the aid of Tameside residents this week after a localised tornado ripped through the area.

Late on Wednesday (December 27) this week, Storm Gerrit battered the country and formed a 'localised tornado' which caused damage to around 100 homes in Stalybridge.

Photographs in the aftermath of the carnage show whole roofs had been torn off buildings, conservatories were destroyed, trees were uprooted and debris littered the roads.

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Some residents whose homes were affected by the storm told The Oldham Times that they were lucky to be alive. 

Euan Welsh, of Cherry Grove whose home was affected in the storm, had just finished his shift when he spontaneously decided to pop into Wetherspoons.

Mr Welsh said: "A pint saved my life possibly."

Meanwhile, Lyndsey Moody said her neighbour's chimney fell through her house and could've killed her 15-year-old son.

The 45-year-old said: "A chimney fell through and almost killed my son - if he was in bed the chimney would've killed him."

Greater Manchester Police declared it a "major incident" due to the severity of the damage caused.

Emergency services were called to the scene to support residents and make the area safe, though fortunately no serious injuries were reported.

Oldham Mountain Rescue Team has since confirmed it also assisted with a search and rescue effort in the early hours of Thursday (December 28) morning.

The volunteer-led team said it received a request for support from police due to the "very high winds" that had caused damage to properties.

The rescuers said: "Whilst homes and other buildings had been evacuated by GMP and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, there was concern that residents who had been displaced may have become disorientated and strayed into the wooded areas surrounding a housing estate."

Around 12 volunteers sprung into action, searching through areas including Millbrook and Carrbrook villages.

They continued: "OMRT searched these areas as well as carrying out a welfare check on a remote house.

"Once satisfied that the task was complete, we stood down at around 6.30am.

"Our thoughts and wishes are with the many people affected by this severe weather event."

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