Punters trapped for the third day in the UK's highest pub are being told to get ready to leave as they await the arrival of specialised ploughs.

Nearly two dozen people were left trapped at the Tan Hill Inn over the weekend after an Arctic blast covering much of the country tipped out several feet worth of snow over Yorkshire. The pub's visitors, both people staying in a room and those who arrived for a few drinks and music, were unable to leave when the snow became too much for their cars on Saturday.

They have now been trapped at the inn for three days alongside pub staff, with even local tractors struggling to make their way to the area due to the treacherous conditions over the last few days. Now, however, they are being told to get ready to leave ahead of the arrival of a specialist gritter.

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Speaking to the today, Gary Baker, 58, said he and his wife Louise, 57, arrived at the inn in their camper van on Saturday, January 4. They have spent the following few days mingling with guests at the inn while six "amazing" staff continued to provide for them.

Gary told the Mirror the atmosphere is relaxed, with inn managers holding parties and catered English breakfasts for the people with whom they are trapped - although they have now run out of several important ingredients. While he and his wife have both immensely enjoyed their time at the pub, they are now anticipating being rescued.

He said that remaining guests were told this morning that after several failed attempts by tractors to get through the snow, the local council is now sending up a specialist snow plough armed with a gritter that they hope will finally break through some of the stubborn drift.

Gary added he and his wife were told this morning to "get ready" as the specialist plough appears to be their best hope at leaving their cosy prison. He said: "They're going to send up a snow plough with a gritter on, so they've told us 'get yourselves ready to go, get your cars and your campers and trucks...and follow the snow plough out'."

He added that "everyone is outside digging at the minute" as they continue their bid to free cars and vans from their snowy trap. Aside from digging, some members of the public staying at the pub have used the snow to build their first-ever snowman. Tan Hill manager Nicole aid she helped one Australian guest Dave build the icy statue during their second day being snowed in.

In a post on the pub's profile, Paul said: “As well as making my first snowman I’m getting a liking for the huge Yorkshire puddings and the Tan Hill bitter. The staff have been amazing. They are working so hard. We offered to wash the dishes but they weren’t having it.”