The North West Mountain Rescue Team (NWMRT) were called to the assistance of a family in Plumb Bridge in the morning of 01/04/2010.

The family of six adults and six children had been celebrating a family gathering when the recent bad weather struck.  Snow in the driveway to the house was over waist deep for most of its kilometre length, and snow cleared from the road had blocked the drive.

The NWMRT were tasked by the PSNI to assist the family at 0850 on 01/04/10 and dispatched their three landrovers.  NWMRT Team Leader John Binns said "At first, I thought the call was an April Fool's joke, but when we drove to the location, the snow at the drive head was impassable."

The NWMRT walked up to the house and at this point decided to call in a helicopter for the evacuation.  The PSNI were able to provide a helicopter to lift the women and children in three lifts, while three men walked out with the NWMRT.

NWMRT Team Leader John Binns said "The family were very unlucky, weather conditions in the Sperrins are exceptional at the moment, and no-one could have foreseen this.  We were pleased to be able to co-operate with the PSNI helicopter to evacuate them before the weather closed in again."

A contact in the family is available for interview, details can be provided on request.
Photos taken by the NWMRT will be available later today, and can be provided on request

Regards,

Han Fisher
Public Relations Officer
North West Mountain Rescue Team
Mobile: 07812112246
Email: pro@nwmrt.org