Snow-bound employee goes the extra mile

A restaurant supervisor went the extra mile when she walked for almost 15 miles to get to work after she was snowed in, it was revealed today.

Sarah Hodgson woke up at 5am then trekked for four hours through deep snow from her home in Delves Lane, near Consett in County Durham, to Oldfield's Restaurant in Durham City.

The 28-year-old, who has not missed a day's work in two years, said she could not bear to let down her boss or her colleagues.

Miss Hodgson said: "I'd been off work on Saturday and it snowed all day. By the evening it was lying waist deep in drifts and where the snowploughs had left it by the side of the roads.

"I tried to dig out my car ready for work the next day but it was completely covered in snow and a thick layer of ice which had been there since before Christmas but had not thawed.

"I couldn't get hold of a taxi and the bus would not have got me in on time, so I decided I'd have to walk it."

Miss Hodgson set her alarm for 5am and prepared for the journey ahead. She put on a thermal vest and three layers of clothing, then set off at 6.15am.

"It was still dark and freezing cold when I went out and I did wonder how long it was going to take, but then I got moving and followed the main road heading for Durham.

"There was a light dusting of snow but no other traffic on the road but me.

"I got there at 10.15am, so I was early for my 11.30am shift, but spent the next half hour stood against the radiator to get warm.

"People wondered why I did not just stay in bed but I've been brought up to always get to work if I can.

"I'd feel bad about dropping my colleagues in it if I did not."

Miss Hodgson's epic journey covered 13.6 miles along the A691.

Restaurant owner Bill Oldfield said: "I was not working on the day and only found out about it later. I was absolutely astounded. You get some people who will ring at the drop of a hat because of runny nose.

"You cannot wish for greater dedication."

Fortunately, Miss Hodgson did not have to walk home - a colleague gave her a lift.

She has now dug out her car and is planning to buy a set of snow chains and snow tyres.