A GROUP of volunteers have been hailed "heroes" after selflessly forcing their way through severe weather to reach the most vulnerable in the city.

For many families and friends, the last few days spelt laughter and fun in the snow.

But for homecare agency 1st Grade Care it was a serious problem.

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"There are lots of people in Newport who rely on us," said co-ordinator Jaimie Monaghan.

"We as a group visit users across Newport and do a lot of things for them, including putting their food out, sorting out medication to personal care.

"When I saw the weather I was really, really concerned. How on earth were we going to able to reach them?"

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Miss Monaghan, who lives in Newport, became that concerned she turned to social media to appeal for volunteers to aid with transportation.

And within hours, four volunteers - two of whom were ex-soldiers with the British Army - offered assistance.

She said: "I could not get the car out so thankfully people were able to help us.

"They came with 4x4s to reach the houses. Andrew Sweeting and Stephen Connop are both ex-soldiers and came with a 40-year-old ministry of defence 4x4. My partner rang me to ask why I had got the army involved when he saw them pull into the street."

The 10-member team managed to visit 54 houses dotted across Newport to check on service users, and provide emergency food supplies to those who needed it.

The 38-year-old said she is grateful for the support because it prevented a "crisis" from occurring.

"We started at 7am and finished at 10.50pm," she said.

"If we had not been able to reach the people there could have been dire consequences.

"My utmost thanks to Andrew Sweeting and Stephen Connop, who were the former soldiers. I would also like to thank Kris Chorley and Stuart Boylan for taking the time out of their day to assist in getting us around Newport, which would not have been possible without them. I would also like to thank the team: Pippa, Paula, Dominique, Emily and Samina."

She added: "All they asked for in return was a hot cup of coffee - what a bunch of heroes."