ONE man and his tractor ploughed through the snow to keep a private hospital running yesterday.

Tina West, an outpatient department manager at BMI The Ridgeway Hospital, made it into work on a tractor from a neighbouring farmer.

Tina, who lives near to Cricklade, managed to get a lift with the help of farmer Stephen Gloss and driver Tom.

"I said I was going to work and he told me he would give me a lift if I hang on for half an hour," she said.

"I've only got a little car and that wasn't going to cut it."

The journey down to the private hospital in Wroughton took around 25 minutes.

Despite the freezing temperatures and snow coming down fast the ride proved more than adequate for the hospital manager.

"It was nice and comfortable and warm for me," she added

The outpatient clinic provided procedures such as removing stitches and running regular check ups.

"Most of our clinics were running in the morning," she said, "but some of our consultants couldn't come in.

"My husband had a 4x4 so he could come and pick me up, otherwise I might have been there all night."