Pensioner Clifford Clarke spent FIVE HOURS shovelling snow and ice from the streets of Lytham in a bid to make the pavements safe.

And Marie MacLachlan from Layton has been working round the clock to crochet blankets and gloves for elderly people.

When freezing temperatures turned the ground outside his house into a skating rink, 77-year-old Mr Clarke grabbed a shovel and sprang into action.

Mr Clarke, a retired machine tool fitter who lives with his wife, Joan, said: "Joan hadn't been out for a week because she is a bit unsteady on her feet so I got the shovel and started digging but then thought I might as well carry on in case anybody else slipped.

"I chipped a path to the crossing and then I thought I can get to the library and bus stop. I was only doing a bit when I started out but I just carried on. I thought we'd be a long time waiting for the council to clear it so I just began to tackle it myself, it's important to be community minded."

His actions have won praise from across Lytham.

Michelle Halliman, 27, who works in Lytham Pork Pie Shop on Clifton Street said: "It shouldn't be up to a pensioner to do this work but he was fantastic and we gave him a cup of tea and a pork pie."

Eileen Pace, 77, of Beach Court, who has trouble with her hip and heart and was concerned about slipping on the ice, added: "I think he's wonderful. He's a hero."

John Coombes, leader of Fylde Council, said: "Staff are working hard to get round different areas and we are trying to source extra grit.

"It is wonderful to hear about community spirited people like Mr Clarke."

In Layton, Mrs MacLachlan spent hours making crocheted and knitted blankets to put in winter warmer packs for local people.

The 60-year-old, of Queens Park, said: "I'm doing gloves just now. It's so cold, it's important for people to keep warm."

Pensioner Wendy Varian, 70, has one of the blankets, she said: "I've got a bad chest so it's a nice idea. They are warm."

Gwen King, chairman of Queens Park Residents' Association, added: "It's the neighbourly thing to do.

"People on the estate have made the blankets, we've got around 60."