HEAVY snowfall over Carter Bar left dozens of cars stranded in drifts on both sides of the border last night (Wednesday).

Border Search and Rescue Unit were called out along with neighbouring Tweed Valley and teams from Northumberland to work with police in rescuing stricken vehicles and their drivers.

In an operation lasting until well into the small hours, cars and lorries were towed back to clear road to continue their journey from the border crossing on the A68.

"The specialist vehicles we use for mountain rescue are perfect for thistype of thing", observed BSARU's Damon Rodwell. "The wild winter of 2010 saw us kept very busy with evacuating medical emergencies, snow clearance and various other weather-related operations,and we were delighted to be able to wade in again this time."