The leader of North Yorkshire County Council has welcomed a Government pledge on spending following the floods.

Coun David Ashton said local authorities, including his own, were being stretched to the limit helping to manage the situation.

In a letter to Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, he has urged the Government to introduce a national scheme to deal with similar disasters in the future.

He said: "We will also have a vital part to play in the recovery operation when the floods subside.

"It is good to get an assurance that the Government will increase its contributions to the additional costs incurred by councils from 85 to 100 per cent.

"North Yorkshire, and no doubt other local councils, will want to play a full part in the recovery stage, particularly as repairs to roads, bridges and schools are essential. Working with other agencies, the county council will also want to help deal with the particular needs of individuals affected by flooding."

Coun Ashton, who welcomed Wednesday's visit to the county by senior representatives from the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, hopes urgent talks with Government officials will resolve a number of issues.

He is also urging the Government to extend the usual two-month time limit for authorities' claims, given the crisis situation.

He added: "The impact has been huge, the costs will be great, and the more help the Government can give the better the recovery job we will be able to do."