Guests and staff trapped in Yorkshire Dales pub for a THIRD night

Around 60 people were stranded at the Tan Hill Inn due to heavy snow fall following Storm Arwen

Author: Edd Dracott, PA and May NormanPublished 29th Nov 2021
Last updated 29th Nov 2021

Staff at a pub cut off by snow have put on a karaoke evening as guests are unable to escape for a THIRD night.

On Friday, 61 people became trapped in the Tan Hill Inn in the Yorkshire Dales as a result of heavy snowfall during Storm Arwen, but some guests have claimed they "don't want to leave" after enjoying the 17th-century hotel's hospitality.

Many have been sleeping on makeshift beds and mattresses on the floor, but they have been treated to films on a projector screen, a quiz night and a buffet meal amongst other comforts.

Oasis tribute band Noasis has been providing musical entertainment as the musicians have been stranded since their gig on Friday at the pub - which at 1,732 feet (528m) above sea level is the highest in the UK.

Those stranded also took to karaoke to entertain themselves.

The pub's general manager, Nicola Townsend, 51, said: "It's just been lovely and everyone is in really good spirits... it's a really good atmosphere.

"They've formed quite a friendship... like a big family is the best way I can describe it.

"One lady actually said 'I don't want to leave'."

On Saturday evening, guests thanked the seven members of staff stuck inside with them by presenting them with a jar filled with around £300 in cash.

On Sunday, the pub laid on a traditional lunch before guests and staff work together to decorate the bar for Christmas and prepare for an evening of karaoke.

Ms Townsend, from Leyburn, said she feels many of those stranded - including herself - will stay in touch long after they have been freed.

61 people were snowed in inside the Tan Hill Inn

Martin Overton, 44, travelled to the pub on Friday to watch Noasis and is staying in his campervan.

Mr Overton, a BBC rugby league commentator, told PA: "I feel great... everyone is looking after each other.

"I have learned that when you come to the Tan Hill Inn, you need to take the forecast seriously.

"The place is very exposed... it is what makes it special but in future I will pack a few more warm clothes and a couple of shovels."

Ms Townsend said they first realised they were trapped after a blizzard on Friday.

"The blizzards were horrendous, how the snow was drifting, it was going all the way up to almost the bedroom windows," she said.

A tunnel has since been dug out of the front door of the pub, but nearby roads are not yet usable in part due to fallen power cables.

61 people were stranded at the Tan Hill Inn following Storm Arwen

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