For flood-hit residents like Sheila Hick, 79, who lost nearly everything she owned in the November floods last year, the neighbourliness of one woman was a lifeline.

Sheila and her husband, Ted, watched in horror on the night of November 3, as water began to invade their bungalow in Furness Drive, Rawcliffe.

They did not have time to rescue their belongings, but that night they found a safe haven across the road at the home of Ann Burke, and her husband, Geoff.

Along with three other neighbours, they spent the night at the Burkes' home, while others gathered round to be offered cups of tea and bacon sandwiches as the reality of what had happened sunk in.

Their home went on to become a kind of neighbourhood flood-relief centre for the next few weeks and months, a point of contact for residents and those who pitched in to help.

The kindness of Ann and Geoff was so much appreciated by the community in Furness Drive, who were brought closer together by their shared ordeal, that a surprise presentation was made to her at a celebration street party on Saturday.

The street party was held to celebrate the return of residents on the flood-hit side of the street.

It was attended by parish council chairman Richard Moore, and the Lord Mayor, Coun Irene Waudby, a Rawcliffe councillor, who presented Ann with a card and vouchers from her grateful neighbours.

Coun Moore said: "Since the floods they have supervised removals, emptied humidifiers in neighbours' properties for a period of months, liaised with builders, cleaned bungalows and hung curtains."

Ann, who said she was surprised and grateful for the gift, added that she was glad to have her neighbours back at home.

"It was quite a quiet Christmas with people only in on one side of the road and no lights in the windows," she said.

Sheila said: "That night the water came up so quickly - we couldn't save anything. Mrs Burke took us in and let us stay for the night.

"I don't know what we would have done without our neighbours."

Ray Newbold, one of the main organisers of the party, said: "On the night of the floods they came round and gave us help baling water out for most of the afternoon.

"When the floods came up even higher, we started thinking about the old people who were not able to help themselves and Ann played a really big part and ended up putting up four different families in her home.

"Ann and Geoff gave up their own bedroom for Mr and Mrs Hick and my wife and daughter slept on the floor in the living room with them."

Neighbour Keith Brind, who moved back to his home last week, said: "You name it, Ann did everything. She's done the same for everybody."

All but one of the flood-hit households are now back at home. Sheila, who returned in April, said it was good to be back, but not the same.

She lost practically everything in the floods - her wedding certificate, all her photos and all her clothes.

After 40 years in Furness Drive, she said she and Ted had lived at six addresses between November and April and celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary in Haxby.

"I remember when we were living in Heslington and I just fancied a boiled egg and then realised we didn't have an egg cup - it's just little things like that."

Thomas Raven, 85, another resident helped by Ann, agreed: "You just settle down and you think I need so-and-so, or think of a book you want to look at, and you realise it isn't there."

Updated: 10:58 Monday, June 25, 2001