THE COMMUNITY spirit generated in the midst of the flooding crisis has been highlighted by those involved in the emergency operation.

Insp Andy Everitt, of Ryedale Police, said the way the public, businesses, emergency services and the Salvation Army had worked together was “fantastic”.

“The crisis brought out the very best in our community – it was marvellous to see everyone working for each other,” he said.

Insp Everitt said that the cooperation between various agencies had been “excellent”.

Norton mayor Coun Di Keal said she wanted to thank all those who had played their part in helping the towns during last week’s floods.

“The police, the fire service, the teams from Ryedale District Council and North Yorkshire County Council and the Environment Agency worked tirelessly and did everything possible to prevent a crisis from turning into a much more serious event and those of us who were at risk are immensely grateful to our ‘local heroes’ for this,” she said.

“The team work that was displayed was the best. The long shifts in sometimes pouring rain and freezing temperatures are a tribute to everyone’s ability to work together and help a community facing a crisis and our sincere thanks must go to them all.”

Coun Keal also thanked members of the Salvation Army, other local churches and Next Steps in Church Street who ran a round-the-clock emergency café providing hot drinks and food to the emergency services throughout the crisis.

“They were absolutely magnificent giving so freely of their time and energy to keep them fed and watered under such challenging circumstances. Thanks must also go to local supermarkets and other shops and the students and families from Malton School for their generous donations of supplies to keep the café serving,” she said.

“I would like to thank the community for similarly helping their friends and neighbours to cope. The small acts of generosity and kindness I have seen over the last week just go to show how much this community can pull together when there is a real need.”

Major Alwyn Hockley, from the Salvation Army based in Norton, said they had brought in their emergency vehicle last Tuesday to serve tea and coffee to the emergency workers.

“Mike Dixon, from Next Steps, then offered us the premises and we started working round the clock with help with a team of volunteers,” she said.

“Everyone has been so appreciative. A lot agencies are working near here and they have been standing in the freezing cold so they are really grateful.”

Maj Hockley said people had been amazing with offers of help and donations of funds and food.

“Everyone has been so kind. We haven’t had much sleep but the thanks we have had from everyone has kept everyone going,” she said.