NEVER has the arrival of John Smith's been so gratefully received.

Situated plumb in the middle of Lake Elvington, the Grey Horse Inn was running out of beer until enterprising landlord Bob Sykes saved the day.

John Smith's Brewery was persuaded to drop off six barrels at the home of villager Ian Calvert, then a boat was used for the rest of the journey.

"We had to get it in somehow," said Bob, who was forced to cancel a party to celebrate one year in charge at the inn.

"I borrowed this old boat from one of the regulars and with a bit of help from some of the boys there is enough beer for the next few days."

Keen to get the ale in before the lagers, regulars battled with the burst Derwent to load the heavy barrels into the boat before wet-suited local John Hudyma pushed the vessel to the bar.

It was quickly unloaded, then back for two more trips.

Meanwhile barmaid Joann Furnival, 23, rued her return to the country.

After four months away in Portugal as a holiday rep, Joann returned yesterday to find her village flooded and her pub "somewhat different".

With wellies drying by the fire, socks hung over chairs, and even the arrival of a local in flip-flops, the pub has proved to be a centrepiece for the wet community. One drinker in his 70s even made it in for his two-and-a-half pints, walking stick and all.