WHEN Oxfordshire County Council worker Katherine Norman saw the deluge of snow outside her home, she could have been forgiven for taking the day off.

The freak weather meant she could not make it to the offices in Oxford where she trains people studying to be homecare helpers.

But Mrs Norman, of The Motte, in Abingdon, knew there were people nearby who needed a home visit — and offered to do it herself, despite almost 20 years away from the job.

The council pointed her in the direction of an elderly person who lived within walking distance and Mrs Norman headed over to make sure she was okay.

It was the first home visit she had made in 19 years after making a career change.

Last night, council chiefs praised Mrs Norman for her “fantastic” gesture.

She said: “I’m a little bit embarrassed really because I didn’t do anything heroic. It was just something most people would do.

“My training is in homecare and after 19 years it was brilliant to be back in the workplace. Because I now train and assess carers, I don’t do home visits anymore.

“I love doing it because I get to have a chat with people and help where possible.”

Mrs Norman said the freak snow conditions and freezing temperatures meant home visits were “more vital than ever”.

John Jackson, director for social and community services, said: "Well done to Mrs Norman for thinking laterally and showing real flexibility."