They battled all that nature could throw at them to save life and property during the worst floods in living memory.

Some worked 23-hour shifts up to their chests in freezing and contaminated water and driving rain, and each went above and beyond the call of duty each time they donned their uniforms.

Now the hero firefighters to whom so much is owed for their efforts during last year's floods have been formally thanked by the people of North Yorkshire.

And the North Yorkshire service has gained the prestigious Investors In People award to recognise the effective way it is run.

At a special ceremony yesterday in York, a certificate of commendation on behalf of all local councils in the county was presented to Eric Clark, Chief Fire Officer of North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.

The certificate praised the service for its "excellent" work.

"It is evident that the communities hold the staff of the North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service in high regard for their courage, professionalism and commitment to work in partnership with others to save life and property," it read.

The floods - which Mr Clark called "the greatest test in most people's memory" - saw more than 50 pumps working round the clock for ten days.

More than 250 people were rescued from their homes and vehicles by boat, Land Rover and piggyback; many animals were saved from certain death; food parcels were delivered and flood defences reinforced.

Firefighters pumped 1.5 million gallons of water an hour from flooded areas and went from one call-out to another without time to rest.

Fire service operators dealt with so many emergency calls from members of the public that consignments of throat lozenges had to be brought in so they could keep talking.

"At first people were working 23-hour shifts, and then 12-hour shifts were the norm," said Assistant Divisional Officer John Swires.

"We actually had to make people go home because they were so dedicated to the task."

He added: "When the going got tough, the tough got going."

Presenting the certificate, Geoff Rennie, chairman of the North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority, said: "There is no doubt that this was a major emergency.

"The fire service's role was vital to our communities, and wherever you go the public have heartfelt gratitude for their performance in this emergency."

The fire service was also presented with an award for achieving the Investors in People standard.

Updated: 10:01 Thursday, February 15, 2001