YOU all deserve a medal - that is the message to the emergency services from residents, politicians and civic leaders in the flood-hit Ryedale region.

Police, fire and ambulance staff, council employees, countless volunteers and specialists such as international rescue have worked tirelessly and cheerfully right through the crisis.

And while resources were stretched to the limit - with calls for a state of emergency to be declared - they coped with everything thrown at them.

MP John Greenway said: "The emergency services have done a fantastic job. I can't praise them highly enough. The police fire and council workers alike have been absolutely tremendous, and I know they have the gratitude of so many families whose homes have been flooded over the past week or so."

Leader of Ryedale District Council, David Cussons, commented: "There have been professionals and volunteers of all kinds working all sorts of hours, and their efforts can't be praised enough."

Former Mayor of Malton Martin Dales said he called for the state of emergency to ease pressure on the services.

"They gave 1000% over the call of duty to help people affected, but that takes its toll and people are shattered. That is why I called for the declaration of an emergency, as then the government could have ploughed resources in and spread the energy a bit better," Mr Dales added.

Malton resident Fiona Wragge, whose home was submerged, said the crews have been "absolutely brilliant."

"The early telephone warnings from the Environment Agency were such a help to us as we were able to move a lot of our belongings," she said.

Norton resident Di Keal said: "They have been wonderful. They have worked like Trojans and in appalling conditions."

Steve Roberts, of Sheepfoot Hill, praised volunteers from his landlords Fitzwilliam Estates, and from Ryedale District Council.

He said: "The volunteers helped us move stuff and build makeshift defences, so when the water came in we didn't lose any personal possessions. The council were great as well - they arrived to help five minutes after I rang them."

Disabled pensioner John Hinderwell was rescued from his flooded Malton bungalow along with his carer, Mary Mansell, two cats and his beloved cockatiel.

He said: "They were superb and helped us in any way they could. They deserve a medal."