At long last orders Guests snowed in at highest pub in UK free on fourth day

It was the moment they had waited four days for. A tractor appeared on the horizon, bringing the possibility of escape for most of the 33 people snowed into the Tan Hill Inn, Britain's highest pub.

- Robyn Vinter

Hugs were shared, numbers swapped. But in the end, there was not much time to say goodbye yesterday as those in 4x4s or with snow chains on their tyres scrambled to leave in the wake of the snowplough, driven by a local farmer.

The urgency was necessary - strong winds across the tundra-like landscape meant the cleared roads were covered in snow drifts moments later and completely impassable in a couple of hours.

Time was of the essence if the convoy of vehicles was to get out - and there was no guarantee they would do so on the steep and winding North Yorkshire roads.

The swift exit came after a goodbye party of sorts on Monday in the Tan Hill Inn's function room, known as the barn.

The main instigator of the bash was Kelly Dunn, one of the bar staff, who had worked incredibly long hours to keep the stranded group fed, watered and happy.