DRIVERS of 4x4 vehicles on the Isle of Wight have been praised by the island's MP for their community spirit during the extreme weather.

MP Andrew Turner said he was impressed by the support given to the emergency services, the local authority and communities by the owners of 4x4 vehicles.

Mr Turner said: "I have been talking to Cllr Wayne Whittle who was telling me of the number of 4x4 owners on the Island making their vehicles available to help whenever and wherever they can. I understand that St Mary's Hospital have sent out an e-mail to ask if 4 wheel drive vehicles and their owners are available to assist with transport problems. Cllr Whittle went on to tell me that he saw the driver of a 4 x 4 vehicle pulling a number of stranded cars up Binstead Hill on Tuesday evening. There are so many tales of good neighbourly behaviour, and this is just one of them. I am very proud and encouraged by the way the Island community has pulled together to help each other out when the need arose."