The recent spell of bad weather in the UK - apologies to those readers in countries that have really suffered this winter - has brought out the best in members of the McLaren team whose Woking HQ, the McLaren Technology Centre (MTC) - was particularly badly hit.

In fact, Surrey was one of the worst affected counties in southern England, witnessing huge snowdrifts, icy paths, blocked roads, traffic mayhem and public transport chaos.

But, in true British spirit, the poor weather was simply a nuisance, rather than an obstacle, for the brave workforce at McLaren.

With the launch of the new MP4-25 car only weeks away, there was simply no option of failing to appear at the MTC - and, in some cases, the efforts of the few to help the many were positively heroic:

Andrew Bailey, head of design at McLaren Racing, ferried his team to work in his 4x4 after the roads proved too treacherous for two-wheel-drive vehicles.

Head of vehicle engineering, Mark Williams, was forced to abandon his car in his street and instead opted to walk the 90-minute journey into the MTC.

After abandoning his car in heavy snow, McLaren Marketing managing director Ekrem Sami boarded a local train which duly caught fire in the snowy conditions! As the others drifted home, Ekrem was the sole passenger to brave the elements, and he managed to make his way into the MTC for an important meeting with Vodafone.

Engineering programme director Neil Oatley roomed overnight in a local hotel in order to make it to work safely.

The Group's transport department selflessly clocked extra hours, often leaving home as early as 5am, to ensure the support roads and car parks around the MTC were kept clear of snow and as safe as possible.

Even world champion Jenson Button wasn't immune from the problems: stuck in his car on the icy, sloping MTC car park, the team loaned him a rock-solid Mercedes-Benz E-Class 320 estate for his journey home.

As well as these superhuman efforts, many employees have been banding together for the common good, car pooling, providing lifts to local train stations and arranging stays in local hotels.

According to the team; "The 'Dunkirk spirit' has been challenging and fun - but we're all looking forward to warmer weather!"