FORMER fire boss Derek Ridgeway has emerged as one of the heroes following heavy snow on Thursday evening which cut off many roads in Wellington.

Derek, who retired as watch manager at Wellington Fire Station three years ago after a 36-year career, was out on his quad-bike with mini-plough clearing snow from the Wellington Medical Centre at 5.30 in the morning on Friday.

He spent the rest of the day opening up minor roads for traffic in Wellington. He said: “I bought this snow plough some years ago but I haven’t had much use for it.”

He has been described on social media as ‘a star’ while there are those who think he should receive some kind of recognition.

Derek doesn’t see it that way. “I’m only doing what anyone would do in the circumstances,” he said.

Meanwhile, it was stay-at-home day for schoolchildren in the area on Friday because of the snow. Many workers were unable to get to work.

On Saturday it was an icy cold day with sport being particularly affected.