Flood heroes whose dedication helped to combat the highest waters to hit York in living memory were being thanked on behalf of the city's residents today. York's Lord Mayor Shan Braund will pass on the gratitude of citizens to City of York Council staff who worked to control the crisis.

Emergency services have already been thanked for their part, and arrangements are being made to present soldiers with the greatest honour York can bestow, the Freedom of the City.

Councillor Braund said: "There were so many people from the council who volun-teered to help out, and a lot of them did a normal full day's work before joining the flood effort, which was well beyond the call of duty.

"A lot of different departments were involved, including commercial services, housing and social services, and this reception is for all the staff who volunteered to work.

"I will be saying thank-you to them on behalf of the people of York."

Council leader Rod Hills announced shortly after the floods that he planned to grant the Freedom of the City to the 2 Signals Regiment to show York's grati-tude for the invaluable aid it gave.

Coun Braund said: "Everybody was fantastic. Nobody wants flooding, but in this crisis it was incredible how people got together and everybody worked extremely hard.

"This is a chance for the council staff to get together, have a drink and a mince pie and know that we really do appreciate everything that they did."

adam.nichols@ycp.co.uk