James Kilner speaks to residents of the Leeman Road area of York who are still very much on edge despite the passing of the latest flooding scare.

Silhouettes of figures could be made out slowly wandering to and fro along the flood bank near Leeman Road, York.

Many residents could not rest easy in their beds, preferring to keep an eye on the mass of water lapping just a stride away from the top of the city's flood defences, yards from their homes.

People were well aware of Environment Agency reassurances that the water would not breach the defences, but they said they would not be happy until the floodwaters had receded dramatically.

Last week, the area was two inches from disaster but this time things were less touch and go as levels peaked at about 9pm last night at just over five metres higher than normal - two feet lower than predicted.

Steve Dalton, of Carnot Street, was keeping a close eye on the river as he walked his dog along the flood bank.

"When they evacuated us on Friday I was in tears. They kept saying the peak was going to be at one time and then they said it was going to be later, so you couldn't relax. Now it's all about expectations and hopes.

"Two days ago it was almost back to normal and we thought we would be fine. But it all came back again.

"So you just don't know what's going to happen. We're just keeping our fingers crossed."

Carole Stone, of Rosebery Street, said she remained uneasy despite the river peak being reached.

"We were all on edge again and we were going in and out to check on the levels. You can't seem to settle or know if you should go to bed or not.

"Everyone did a marvellous job the other night. But I'm not going to be happy until the water completely drops back."

Fears were high that this may just be the start of a winter of flooding discontent.

Mrs Stone said: "It's only the start of winter. We usually get this sort of thing in February."

Colin Johnston, of Aldborough Way, also regularly walked along the flood bank last night with his dog to check on how the water was progressing.

"I keep going and having a look. You just don't know what's going to happen."