TWO NHS workers braved the elements and carried essential equipment on their backs while trudging through snow to keep a baby clinic up and running.

Leanne Hayden and Suzanne Bate were among many brave healthcare and emergency service staff who worked throughout the wintry conditions last week.

Flurries of snow swept across the town on Thursday and Friday as temperatures plummeted.

Scores of schools were shut and snowmen appeared across the borough as youngsters enjoyed their time off.

Many businesses closed or did not open, including many on the high street and at the Oracle.

Meanwhile, Thames Water issued a plea to residents to avoid using water for anything other than ‘essential’ as the freezing temperatures caused pipes to burst and put additional strain on the struggling network.

Despite the difficulties, two women were determined that at the Well Baby Clinic at Loddon Valley Leisure Centre it was business as usual.

Leanne said: “As I live locally to Loddon, there was no question in my mind that I would run the clinic – alone if necessary – as I did not want my colleagues to have to drive in dangerous conditions.”

Suzanne, a health visitor, lives nearby to the Leisure Centre and volunteered to help Leanne for the day.

A spokesman for Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the clinic, added: “ They dressed for the weather and opened the clinic as they felt sure that despite the snow, there would be some mothers who needed support and reassurance. In fact, 10 mothers came along with their babies and young children. After the clinic finished at midday, Leanne and Suzanne picked up all the equipment then needed – including baby scales – and headed off on foot to do home visits for the rest of the day.”

The Well Baby Clinic runs on the first and third Friday of each month.

Parents can bring children aged up to five years old for weighing, measuring, advice on breast feeding and other issues.