The Queen today sent a personal message of support to North and East Yorkshire people struggling to come to terms with the devastating floods of 2000.
In the message delivered today to Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, the Queen also spoke of her admiration for all the emergency workers and volunteers who battled to hold back the waters and make life safer for householders and businesses alike.
She said: "Like so many others, I have been following with distress and concern the extent of the damage caused by the floods in so many areas of our country in recent weeks.
"If, as we hope, the waters are now beginning to recede at least in some areas, I would like to express my heartfelt sympathy to all those individuals and families who are only just starting the long, grim task of clearing up and who are now having to come to terms with the real cost of the damage which they have suffered.
"My thoughts are with them as they confront this challenging and anxious period."
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