GUESTS at the Mayor of Burnley’s charity ball avoided being left out in the cold – thanks to a local farmer.

With parking conditions at the Usha Indian Restaurant in Rossendale Road proving difficult due to ice and snow in the car park, owner Ibrahim Ali called in reinforcements in the shape of a tractor.

The event, on Monday evening, went ahead as planned after snow was shovelled away to allow visitors to park beside the venue.

Diners raised hundreds of pounds for Pendleside Hospice via ticket sales and a raffle.

Coun Charles Bullas, Mayor of Burnley, said it was a terrific show of community spirit by the farmer to help make the area safe.

He said: “My wife and I were approaching down Rossendale Road and the road was dangerous.

“We noticed this tractor in the car park and weren’t really sure what was going on.

“It did a fantastic job clearing the snow though, and everyone was able to park as normal.

“I’d like to say a big thank-you to the farmer and to the staff at the restaurant for making things run very smoothly.

“A great evening was had by all, with more than 60 people in attendance and only one or two unable to make it due to the weather, which is a fantastic effort.”