Through your newspaper I would like to thank the young men who ensured drivers could continue their journeys.  The B4228, Chepstow to Coleford road, was badly affected by the snowfall on the Monday before Christmas.  Many drivers, including myself, were stranded near Woodcroft as we could not get sufficient traction to get up the hill.  Three young men shovelled snow, put down grit and pushed cars up the hill.  Once I was going I didn't dare stop to thank them personally.

Again, on the hill approaching the Hewelsfield crossroads, cars were not maintaining traction.  Two more young men were pushing cars to the level where they could continue on their journey.  I was unable to ask their names but would like to send very sincere thanks to all those thoughtful young people for turning a very stressful situation into one with a successful outcome.

By acknowledging others' needs and doing something to relieve them, they epitomise the true spirit of Christmas.  I hope they all had a very Happy Christmas and I wish them much joy and success in 2011.

– Jean Sheraton, St Briavels.