FARMERS are most likely lending a hand to residents who need help navigating through icy conditions, said the farmers’ union NFU.

“With four-wheel drives and tractors, the local farmer will help others keep moving,” said Ian Johnson, southwest spokesman for the NFU.

But the snow means some dairy farmers may be struggling to get their milk collected if articulated lorries cannot reach farmyards.

“Farmers can only store two days’ worth of milk so it is a pressing problem,” said Mr Johnson.

The cold spell also means new-born lambs are at risk of hypothermia because, unlike sheep, they cannot handle severe cold. If is important that lambs are kept warm.