Cavers from Priddy were among the plucky group of volunteers who have made a breakthrough in clearing access to their village.
The B3135 through Cheddar Gorge has been closed for much of the winter due to flooding.
Cheddar Caves and Gorge director Hugh Cornwell has praised a small team of volunteers who did what no one else could – diverted water off the road so repair can begin. Wednesday of last week saw Chris Billinghurst of Somerset Wildlife Trust and Bob Corns of Natural England joined by Alison Moody, Rich Whitcombe, Clive North, Stuart McCanus to clear sinkholes on Longwood Valley, dumping water underground and diverting if off the B3135.
Mr Cornwell said: "We are very lucky that 'private volunteers' like these will put themselves out for the benefit of the rest of the community without any thought of reward or even recognition by the community.
"I suppose it was ever thus – you give Mendip Cavers the muckiest job on the planet on the filthiest day of the year and they come up trumps."
Longwood has been described as a river since November due to sink holes filled with silt.
Road repairs started on Friday and, with luck, may be finished by tomorrow. Though no word yet on when the road closure will be lifted, now in its 88th day.
Martin Grass of Draycott said: "I would love to know how much money has been saved in loss of business and expensive diversion plans. If your business has been helped and you pass the Hunters Lodge at Priddy stop off and put in a pint for the lads, they deserve it."