STAFF at Hampshire's social services department have been praised for keeping vital day-to-day care going during the wintry weather.

The county's Lib Dem spokesman for social services Alan Dowden said despite the atrocious conditions staff had battled on managed to keep nearly all its services going.

"It's incredible but they have managed to maintain social care in these extreme conditions. The service was maintained to an acceptable standard. Only the council's day centres were closed because of the bad weather because it was too risky too transport people to the centre People need to understand that the work of social care staff has to carry on regardless. I am prepared to give praise where it is due and it is in this case," said Mr Dowden, stressing that the elderly should refrain from going out in the bad weather if possible to reduce falls on ice.

"Dealing with people who have injured themselves falling in the snow and ice all puts pressure on the NHS," added Mr Dowden.

He said Hampshire's director of adult social services Gill Duncan and her team should be proud of the role they had in maintaining services along with other partner organisations In an email to Mr Dowden the social services director said: "Staff have been working flat out to ensure that all services are maintained and of course we are working closely with other departments across Hampshire County Council and with key partners such as the NHS to support those in greatest need."