Care workers from across the county have been receiving free, adverse weather driver training, to help them reach the most vulnerable if bad weather hits Herefordshire as it did so severely last year.

Organised by Herefordshire Council, 18 care providers were put through their paces by instructors from Land Rover Experience (LRE) in the 66 miles of off road track at its iconic venue on the Eastnor Castle Estate.

The guests were guided through an abridged version of the training day, and learnt key skills to help them gain confidence when driving in adverse and extreme weather - such as snow, ice and rain. In addition, they learnt how to think about their own safety, what to check for on a vehicle and how to risk assess the road and driving conditions.

A spokesperson for Herefordshire Council, said: “We are delighted that 18 individuals from a mix of care homes and home care providers took up the opportunity of the free training. These people have to travel around the most rural parts of the county in all types of weather conditions to ensure that care and support is provided to vulnerable residents who rely on their services.

“Our care providers are ‘care heroes’ and they are passionate about delivering their essential services where they are needed most, and this training has given them the confidence to do this, even when the weather is against them.”

The three instructors, Nic Browning, Mark Frost and Chris Pirt are not only skilled LRE trainers, but all former fire service personnel too.

The guests were quick to show their appreciation.

Emma Thompson of Hampton House, in Church Lane, Hampton Bishop, said: “We had to evacuate the home a few years ago due to flooding, today has given me the confidence to drive through water.”

Elaine Angell of Bluebird Care, The Granary, in Wormbridge added: “I drive out to people in the most rural parts of the county, often isolated spots. Today has made me think about risk assessing before I drive.”