A LITTLE boy who never stopped smiling as he was saved from a snowstorm was reunited with his rescuers this week.

Even though he will never be able to talk, five-year-old cerebral palsy sufferer Mason Arundell, of Stanhope, broke out into his broadest grin to thank the two policemen who plucked him from a blizzard-bound school taxi and drove him to hospital.

Consett officers Peter Taylor and Andy Froggatt were alerted through a 999 call from Mason's worried mum Lyn.

The taxi bringing him home from Percy Hedley School in Newcastle, was stranded at Castleside and time was running out for his next dose of vital medication.

After a frantic hour-long search of treacherous moorland roads, the police officers found the car and drove Mason and his grandmother to the safety of Durham's University Hospital.

Mason also suffers from epilepsy and hydrocephalus and would suffer a seizure without life saving drugs.

Mrs Arundell said: "We can't thank the officers enough for what they did."

After their reunion with Mason, the officers are hoping to help him again. He needs about £900 for a special exercise trike and they are backing a fund launched by Mrs Arundell to raise the cash. Anyone wanting to help Mason, should call (01388) 660664.