I DROVE down Fetter Hill, having been lulled into a false sense of security that the snow was melting so the roads. Ok, you guessed it. I took a corner a tad too fast on slush; jack-knifed across the road; shot into a snowy woodland verge and couldn't reverse back out.

I couldn't even open the car door, for being sunk in snow and had to climb out of the car window.

A few cars slowed to look but didn't stop.

But then a young lad did, perhaps 18-21. My phone had no signal. He offered his but then when I fetched a previously packed spade, he took over the digging and then pushed me and my car out, all the time keeping up a sense of humour that lessened my sense of shock.

He wanted no thanks, no offer of a pint. It was all simply natural to him to offer help. It was an important trip, so this is an important thank-you, Ashton. You are a lovely lad and a credit to your parents.

– Frankie, Coleford.