They say God moves in mysterious ways, but a Ryedale vicar is adapting to circumstances by moving around his flooded parish by boat.

The Reverend John Manchester, of St Mary's Priory, Old Malton, said that the second lot of flooding in just 19 months was heartbreaking for his parishioners, but he insisted community spirit is still shining through.

And he said that the boat, provided by a police underwater rescue team, is proving to be "a great Godsend" for people in the village.

He said: "It is not only me that is using the boat, it is providing the main form of transport for people in some parts of the village at the moment.

"It is very useful. It is helping me to visit people that might need that bit of extra help, such as the older folk. The people providing the boat, the police and the rescue team, are doing an incredible job and can't be praised enough for that."

Mr Manchester said that, despite the trauma of the floods, the people of Old Malton were bearing up well.

He added: "People are doing very well and we will get through this. Once was bad, and twice has been very hard, but people are pulling together, the sense of humour is still there and there is a real sense of community spirit. Having said that, we never want this again."