Communities are pulling together to give back to those who went out of their way to help others during the Beast from the East.

Diss Mercury: Some of the snow heroes with their 4x4s, from left, Dexter Riches, Dom Smith, Ashley Foreman, Richard Coe and Ryan Hines. Photo: Craig WendenSome of the snow heroes with their 4x4s, from left, Dexter Riches, Dom Smith, Ashley Foreman, Richard Coe and Ryan Hines. Photo: Craig Wenden (Image: Archant)

As road-users were getting stranded in drifts dozens of snow heroes went out of their way to help strangers.

Peter Thorpe, a postman from Winfarthing, decided these men needed recognition for their selfless acts.

He said: 'Everyone was getting stuck in the snow and I saw several people hauling them out of sticky situations.

'I wanted to raise money for these guys who were selfless as a thank you for putting themselves at risk.

Diss Mercury: The snow heroes were thanked with a giant cookie, a free meal in the cafe and a few other items from Morrisons in Diss. Photo: Theresa WendenThe snow heroes were thanked with a giant cookie, a free meal in the cafe and a few other items from Morrisons in Diss. Photo: Theresa Wenden (Image: Archant)

'I think it is absolutely brilliant what they did, putting in a full shift at work before going out to help clear the roads until late at night.'

Mr Thorpe has set up a donation tin at Roydon Service Station and has so far raised £99.

He asked Facebook to nominate people who deserved the money for their efforts in the snow and nine names were put forward.

'They came to me and thank you for thinking of us,' said Mr Thorpe, 'but they wanted to donate the money to charity.

Diss Mercury: The group of men from villages around Diss used their 4x4s to haul lorries, cars and anyone else who was stuck out of the snow last week. Photo: Craig WendenThe group of men from villages around Diss used their 4x4s to haul lorries, cars and anyone else who was stuck out of the snow last week. Photo: Craig Wenden (Image: Archant)

'I think that's a fantastic idea and they are donating it to King of the Cup which is a great local charity.'

King of the Cup hopes to raise money for three-year-old Joseph Rourke who is fighting cancer for the second time.

The staff at Morrisons in Diss are also acknowledging the hard work put in by the snow heroes.

Sharon Eakers, the supermarket's community champion, said: 'So many of our customers were saying how nice it was that these guys were helping out, so I wondered how we could thank them.

Diss Mercury: Morrisons community champion Sharon Eakers wanted to give the snow heroes something to thank them. Photo: Theresa WendenMorrisons community champion Sharon Eakers wanted to give the snow heroes something to thank them. Photo: Theresa Wenden (Image: Archant)

'So many of them helped people get home when they became stuck in the snow and they all woked full time and would help when they finished work.

'I thought it would be a nice way of thanking them by getting them in store.'

Those nominated for the Morrisons thank you received a giant cookie, a free meal in the cafe and a few other items from the supermarket.