MOST people have done an extraordinary job in battling against the extreme weather conditions of the last week.

We’ve had plenty of tales of courage and people going out of their way to help others.

As we’ve said before, it’s highlighted a real sense of community spirit.

But we’re left baffled by the panic buying that has gone on over the weekend.

We’re well aware that people feel the need to stock up should - and it is only a should - they become trapped in their homes.

The likelihood of that happening is pretty slim.

Despite the lack of grit now being experienced across the country, the majority of roads have been flowing well.

But we’ve had reports at the weekend of people buying far too much bread and all the milk they can carry.

Some shops have told us they have run out of potatoes.

There really is no need to panic buy.

The weather forecast may not be good but what is wrong with simply stocking up on your usual items to see you through the week?

Our message is simple - shop as normal and avoid the need to think that we are heading for some sort of situation where the country grinds to a halt.

After all, there are plenty of other parts of the world that have far worse weather than us and they seem to cope perfectly well.