apparently, it seems easy for some idiots not to see a 2 tonne disco, even with the headlights on. Was transporting some doctors last week (4x4 response), a car at the front of me turned into a lane on the left and decides it wasn't the correct one, and turned out immediately without stopping, nearly ram into the side of my disco. Apparently, I've been following behind him/her for about a mile, from main road into the residential area.
Disco maniac - for seized hand brake, pull out the rubber part of the hand brake handle, as well as the skirt, you will then be able to see the hand brake cable & sleeve. Drip some 3-in-1 oil into it, that should free it. Alternatively, EP90 (axle oil) is good too. If it froze in, drip some anti freeze or de-icer in, that'll work.