FURNESS Drive already has its own neighbourhood wardens, Ann and Geoff Burke. Half the street in Rawcliffe, York, was flooded last November. Mr and Mrs Burke immediately threw open their home to the evacuees. Since then they have, to paraphrase one of many thankful residents, done everything for everyone: supervised removals, liaised with builders, even cleaned properties.

This weekend, a street party was held to celebrate residents' return home and to honour Mr and Mrs Burke.

Their generosity is another example of how the terrible floods brought out the best in human nature.

Updated: 10:31 Monday, June 25, 2001