A swimming pool full of brown water, the stench of sewage, and a buckled wooden floor, were the legacy of three feet of receding floodwater for one York business owner.

Almost £100,000 worth of damage has been caused to Emperors Health and Fitness Centre, in Skeldergate, resulting in its closure for a month.

Owner Henny Hind is determined to re-open as soon as possible, now the waters have gone.

"It has been freak weather," she said.

"I have never seen anything like it in 16 years of living by the river but there is nothing anyone can do.

"We have to wait for the loss adjusters to come down, then the clean-up can begin."

She also made an appeal for help with "sorting the place out" from any of the gym's 600 members.

Nearly all the fitness equipment is set to be replaced and a new floor will have to be laid before members can return.