REVELLERS at England’s highest pub were forced to endure an extended New Year’s party after heavy snow falls stopped them from leaving.

Drinkers at The Tan Hill Inn, in the Yorkshire Dales, were stuck for two days due to drifting snow which was 7ft deep in some places.

Leeds University Cross Country Club arrived for its New Year’s Eve party and the 30 members were unable to leave.

Many battled to reach the pub through atrocious conditions and some of the intrepid partygoers had to abandon cars on the A66.

Spirits were high though as a siege mentality took hold as everyone helped out with supplies of real ale available too.

Customer Mike Willemse, 44, who used to run a pub, took over the bar after the owners could not get back.

He said: "The drifts are 7ft and 8ft in places. Even vehicles such as 4x4s with chains on the wheels can't get up.

"We were caught unawares, lots of the guests were still in bed so they had to have some tea and toast and sort out their things.

"Everyone's had a good time despite what happened - people were peeling carrots, potatoes and helping to make dinner on an evening.

"Morale has been high - people realised they weren't going to be trapped forever.

"We've had a plough, gritter and snow blower up here and everyone is making their way out now."

One student suffered an asthma attack at the pub is which is situated 1,732ft above sea level and she managed to get out when a convoy arrived to offer aid.

Peter Richardson, 47, a DJ from Richmond, North Yorkshire, hired to play at the pub said: "The snow outside the pub itself is about 2ft deep, but the problem is with us being so high up, the drifts really affect us.

"Snow has been drifting constantly and it's 7ft or more in places, meaning we can't get out. The roads need to be ploughed otherwise it’s treacherous.

"You can use a tractor to get out if you really need to, but I think people are enjoying it in here."

Paul Manson, 51, a friend of Mr Willemse came to help rescue stranded guests.

He said: "We came to visit but on our way here we must have had to rescue about 17 people who got stuck on roads leading up to Tan Hill.

"I've been helping to get people down from the pub and back home.

"We've had to dig out cars, and there was one where the engine oil had frozen so we had to sort that out.

"The council brought a plow which moved the snow to either side so that's cleared the way and now people are leaving in a convoy."