HUNDREDS of tins of soup were handed out to elderly residents across the borough last week as emergency rations during the wintry weather.

Council staff distributed 360 cans to pensioners on Friday after fears were raised that predicted heavy snow on the weekend could disrupt regular home meal deliveries.

Fortunately less snow than expected fell on the weekend, allowing members of the Community Meals Service to deliver to the elderly as normal.

A council spokeswoman said: "Council staff have been working hard and battling the wintery conditions to ensure vital services are delivered to many of our older and vulnerable residents.

"Community meals, with the assistance of emergency planning and transport services delivered 100 per cent of meals over the weekend.

"This is due to the dedication of the staff involved and we are very proud of their efforts. Community Meals is again today being assisted by extra vehicles as side roads are still icy."