IT was a steep learning curve for the new landlord and landlady of England's highest pub on their first official day behind the bar.

It was more a baptism of snow than of fire as they were left marooned when several feet of snow cut off the road to the Tan Hill Inn, which at 1,732 feet above sea level left them high but not dry.

“No we have plenty of beer and everything else to keep us going,” said Steve Bailey, who with wife Viv took over as managers on Sunday.

“We had been warned of course but you don’t expect it on your first day. We have two musicians who were playing at the pub over the weekend and a couple who arrived in their camper van, so we are all stranded.

“The problem is it was snowing and now the road is really icy, and it’s just too tricky to get down. We are all waiting for the gritter to get through, but I suspect our guests may have to wait another day before they can depart,” added Mr Bailey.

The couple have only recently come back to Britain after spending three and a half years travelling round the world.

They decided before Christmas they wanted to come back and be part of a community again, Steve was head teacher at North and South Cowton School, near Northallerton and Viv ran a Darlington charity.

“Now the community comes to us at the pub, well it does when it can get through,” added Mr Bailey.