With Summer around the corner, it may prove difficult to remember the frozen winter months, and as usual, the hardest hit by snow were Scotland and the North.

Sea transport showed its advantages in these conditions as RNLI lifeboats were used on humanitarian missions to bring food and supplies to areas that could not be reached by road.

The Shetlands were hit particularly badly with snow drifts and strong winds, closing all roads in the area and many power lines brought down. The local council declared a state of emergency and on hearing this, Aith lifeboat offered its services to the community.

The lifeboat picked up supplies of essential items from Lerwick and delivered them where desperately needed over 26 and 27 December 1995. As power was down in most places, supplies included gas cylinders and coal as well as food, and the crew's work prevented hardship for many families - and possibly worse consequences for old, sick and other vulnerable people in a number of areas..