RESIDENTS in Selby are breathing sighs of relief but continuing to watch the skies after a week of more flood misery in the district.

Despite torrential rain which drenched the area and led to several outbreaks of flooding, the area has emerged relatively unscathed from the worst the January weather could throw at it.

Cawood, Ryther, Ulleskelf and Beal were among the villages to suffer most from the deluge, while the view over submerged fields from bridges in the Brayton area was described by one motorist as "looking like the River Humber".

Although more rain was being forecast over the weekend, Selby residents were confident most of the flooding threats have now been averted.

Local flood campaigner John Amor, from Barlby - whose home was besieged by floods seven years ago - said: "People have been a bit panicky, but the flood defences have done a tremendous job this time.

"They have taken a lot of pressure off people and, while they may have cost a lot of money, they have been worth it.

"But this is a low-lying area and a lot of fields are still awash. There are going to be more flooding problems in future, especially with new houses being built on floodplains, and the people who are warning about what will happen need to be listened to now."

Brian Percival, Selby District Council's deputy leader, said: "People have been singing the praises of several local heroes who have helped them during the floods of the last week, and although the rivers have been high, they are now starting to fall.

"But I still think there is a lot to be addressed about the flood information people are being given.

"General warnings from the Environment Agency tend to be taken with a pinch of salt and lead to people becoming blasé - they need to have more details about the local situation.

"This is not being done, and the proof of the pudding has come in the last week."

Flooding fears saw the council deliver batches of sandbags to homes in several areas, including Bolton Percy, Kirkby Wharfe and around Tadcaster, while the Selby Flood Group met for the first time last week.

"We are seeing changes to weather patterns in the Selby district," said the group's chairman Mike Thompson, who is also the council's emergency response lead. In the past, the greatest threat from flooding was from rising river waters, but now we also have to contend with flooding caused by heavier-than- expected rainfall, which creates different problems.

"This is why we are constantly assessing our flood protection plans to ensure we can offer the greatest support possible to residents and businesses."

More flooding information is available through a link from the council's website to the Environment Agency at www.selby.gov.uk, or by calling the Agency's 24-hour Floodline on 0845 988 1188.