ON February 26 1958 a massive storm hit East Lancashire with up to 12 hours of severe snowfall and ensuing ice causing chaos to travel services.

More than 100 roads were blocked by up to nine feet of snow as conditions worsened overnight. Vehicles were left abandoned as people were forced to walk.

Rail journeys were disrupted as ice formed on the track, causing delays for several hours. No vehicles could reach Barley, near Burnley, Green Haworth, and the moors between Accrington and Oswaldtwistle.

A bulldozer was used at Belthorn, as a van finally made it out of Tockholes, Darwen.

Snowploughs attacked both sides of the blocked Bury-Edenfield road. More than 250 cars were left stranded and buses to and from Helmshore and Haslingden were forced to take direct routes only.

Ribble Valley buses were taking alternative routes. A bulldozer was seen dragging an ambulance out of the snow in Nelson.

Mrs Joyce Harrison, 28, of Spen Brook Village was trying to get to Newchurch, and slipped on her way. She injured her knee, suffered shock and was taken to hospital.