During the pre-Christmas snowfall, true community spirit was shown by a group of 4x4 drivers in Caterham who banded together to provide emergency transport during the icy conditions. The drivers provided assistance to key workers such as nurses and also helped those needing medical treatment.

Caterham resident, Andy Parr said: "It started when I was asked if I could take a nurse to the Caterham Dene Hospital for her shift. Afterwards, I got chatting to some other 4x4-owner friends of mine in the pub about the problems being caused by all the snow. We came up with the idea of forming a voluntary emergency transport service for really urgent, local cases. We are calling the service 'CATER' for 'Caterham Emergency Response'.

One of the drivers, Managing Director of Caterham Communications, Simon Edge, came to the rescue when a patient needing dialysis treatment had to get to Purley Hospital. Simon commented "At Caterham Communications our ethos has always been about providing a reliable quality service to the local community and this I see as no different; it keeps Caterham's key workers and patients alike connected in times of emergency!"

CATER currently has four drivers willing to provide emergency transport when they are available during periods of heavy snowfall; Andy Parr, Simon Edge, Steve Stokes of Lilypad Properties and Group Scout Chairman, Robin Bloore from Warlingham. They are keen to hear from anyone else who can lend their support. If you own a 4x4 and would like to volunteer to help please call Andy Parr on 01883 340000 or 07802 846902.