It is nice to hear about the Army heroes helping out in the York floods. Without the Army's help the flood defences would not be in place so quickly.

But please give City of York Council workers some credit too.

My dad works in the Highways Department and I have hardly seen him for the past two weeks.

He has been busy filling sandbags and delivering them to the Army at various points around the city centre.

He has been very tired and it would be nice for the council workers and all staff involved at Foss Islands Depot to have their fair share of the praise.

Laura Russell, aged 13,

New Lane,

Huntington, York.

...I too praise the Army for their work during the floods, but ask people to also applaud the council workers.

After a day emptying bins, sweeping streets etc they sometimes spent all night filling sandbags for more than a week. Filling more than 104,000 sandbags takes some doing!

Also spare a thought for the girls in the offices who, after a day's work, took it in turns to work all night in the canteen at Foss Islands Depot providing food and drinks for council staff, emergency services and the armed forces.

A big thank you also to the supermarkets in and around York, and the chocolate factories who kindly donated food and sweets to keep us all going round the clock during the floods. It was a kind gesture and well appreciated.

P R Willey,

Council worker and sand-bagger,

Burnholme Drive, York.

...The York Baha'I Assembly commends the great efforts made by so many agencies and individuals in York and district to help cope with the devastating flooding over the past couple of weeks.

We would especially thank Radio York for the coverage it has given to the problems caused and the help it has offered.

And let's not forget City of York Council, the emergency services, Environmental Agency, voluntary services, Evening Press and the Army.

So many other people have also joined together in a real spirit of community to help those who most affected.

It is heartening, in these times of every man for himself, to see such great co-operation between people.

We pray for a speedy return to normal and that floods on such a level will not happen again for many years.

Tricia Castle,

Secretary,

Spiritual Assembly of York.

...Stand up Hugh Bayley and be congratulated. I help with the War Widows Association and can report that as the Minister responsible for War Pensions Mr Bayley attended our annual service at the Cenotaph and our lunch last year.

He made an excellent and very personal speech and much impressed members and guests.

Having seen Mr Bayley often last week on TV helping flood victims and assisting rescue officials, I presumed he would not turn up this year.

He did however, having moved heaven and earth to get to London to salute the war widows.

As ever he was charming, interested and respectful.

Well done Mr Bayley and thank you.

David Mitchell,

West Parade, Lincoln.

...The 22nd Regiment Royal Artillery thanks the huge army of supporters, too numerous to mention individually but ranging from large companies to small businesses, the local authorities to local residents of Selby and surrounding areas, all of whom rallied round to help during the recent floods.

Your overwhelming donations of food, groceries, equipment, assistance and warm-hearted gestures during the recent flood prevention work were most gratefully received.

Your generosity made our short stay in the Selby area all the more memorable and our thoughts remain with you all at this time.

Thank you all.

Major K D Radwell,

Unit Press Officer,

22nd Regiment Royal Artillery,

Kirton in Lindsey,

Gainsborough.

...The staff and committee of York RSPCA would like to offer very sincere thanks and appreciation to the Army, Fire Brigade and council officials who assisted in the evacuation of the dogs and small animals from the Animal Home during the recent flooding.

We also wish to thank Rose Lodge Kennels, Rose Cottage Farm Kennels and the many supporters and volunteers who very kindly offered to foster the animals for us until the water has receded.

Thanks for all your support.

Mike Peters

RSPCA,

York Animals Home,

Landing Lane,

Clifton,

York