WORKERS at Winsford's unique salt mine are working around-the-clock to cope with national demand for salt to clear the roads of ice during the cold weather.

During the New Year holiday the whole of the country was covered in thick snow - good news for a business which deals in salt for gritting roads.

Although the recent spell of freezing weather has cleared for the time being, Salt Union's 70-strong workforce at Bradford Road is busy loading lorries with special pink salt to prepare for more icy conditions at the end of the week.

Mine manager Steve Reece said: "So much salt is used during the periods of heavy weather it takes a few weeks to shift it all.

"Last week we must have moved about 65,000 tonnes.

"I don't think it is going to break the all time record, but it is safe to say this is going to be one of our biggest ever Januarys."

The mine, between Winsford and Whitegate, celebrated its 150th birthday a few years ago.

About 95 per cent of the country's road salt comes from the mine and it boasts plentiful supplies for many years to come.

The salt varies in colour from amber to dark brown and has an unusual make up which means it is able to be stored outside - forming its own 'crust' to stop it disappearing in the rain.