Heroes old and new have been celebrated by people rediscovering the "Dunkirk spirit" in the face of the flooding crisis.

But as praise was today heaped on those who have so far prevented the flooding crisis becoming a catastrophe, the situation remained tense today after an inch and a half of rain fell on the region overnight.

Flood levels in Ryedale were going down but yesterday's downpour could make it worse, experts claimed.

And emergency workers in York, Selby and elsewhere continued to hold their breath.

Paying tribute to them and the others who battled so hard against the floods, York's Lord Mayor Shan Braund said their efforts reflected the Dunkirk theme of last night's Festival of Remembrance at York's Barbican Centre.

"Speaking on behalf of the citizens of York, I express heartfelt gratitude to those who have worked so hard during this flooding crisis.

"Thanks to all the City of York Council staff who, spearheaded by acting chief executive David Atkinson, have worked round the clock, aiding people through this difficult time.

"Thanks to the Army and the emergency services for their support and help. It's fantastic the way all these groups and the local community have pulled together."

She also thanked the "unsung heroes" who had filled 60,000 sandbags.

City council leader Rod Hills said its staff, the Army and the emergency services had "worked superbly".

York MP Hugh Bayley said: "It has been a tremendous effort by all involved."

Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott praised the "marvellous job" done by all the agencies.

Meanwhile, a spokesman from the emergency room at Ryedale District Council said it was impossible to tell whether the situation would worsen tonight.

"Since the last update, the waters have gone down 17 inches and access is somewhat improved," he said.

"The A169 Malton to Pickering road is open, though Malton and Norton are still divided - a Land Rover ferry service is still in operation from 7.30am-5pm every day until further notice.

"It is just a case of sitting and waiting for further information; the Environment Agency are currently carrying out an assessment to find out if yesterday's downpour will have a significant effect on water levels."

Local MP John Greenway called today for a centrally co-ordinated operation by the Government to help at least 1,500 flooded-out Yorkshire householders as they try to re-build their lives.

Severe flood warnings remained on the Ouse at Naburn and Acaster Malbis and from Barlby to Selby, at Malton and Norton and Elvington to Barmby on the Derwent, and at Gowdall near Snaith on the Aire.

The Ouse in York fell three feet to about 14 feet above normal during the night.