WHILE many businesses in Suffolk are crying out for an end to the snow, others are praying for more.

Simon Tomlinson

WHILE many businesses in Suffolk are crying out for an end to the snow, others are praying for more.

The recent weather is thought to be costing the county's economy around �24million a day, but for two companies the blizzards have been a welcome arrival.

Sledges at one shop in Framlingham have been flying off the shelves in their hundreds as people scramble to make the most of the blanketed countryside.

Bill Bulstrode's has struggled to keep up with demand after selling more than 500 sledges in recent weeks.

Owner Bill Bulstrode was desperately hoping for another supply of 100 this week. Wellington boots have also sold by the caseload, along with hats and gloves.

“It is absolutely phenomenal,” said Mr Bulstrode, who sells plastic, wood and inflatable sledges ranging from �5 to �110.

“It has been superb for business. A lot of people haven't seen this amount of snow and they are loving it. I want to see more.”

Mr Bulstrode, who has been running the lifestyle and flooring shop for 30 years, said the bad weather also meant people were shopping closer to home, giving a real boost to rural communities.

“It is great to see people shopping in the smaller towns. I just hope they remember us when the snow has gone.”

Meanwhile, Nursey Sheepskin, based in Bungay, has reported red-hot sales of its sheepskin clothing both here and in Europe as more people choose to wrap up warm at home rather than spend money on fuel bills.

Demand for men's coats is up 25% while sales of hats and scarves have increased more than a fifth.

Managing director Tim Nursey said: “Business usually tails off after Christmas but we're seeing a boom not just in hats and gloves - but in slippers and gilets.

“Sheepskin is the ideal fabric for keeping warm. After all, when was the last time you saw a sheep shivering?”

He said sheepskin also proves effective protection against falls on the ice.

“One of our customers believes her thick sheepskin coat stopped her from breaking an arm when she slipped on the ice recently.”

The family-owned company, which has been manufacturing sheepskin garments for five generations, produced the original flying jackets for WW2 fighter pilots who flew in uncovered cockpits.