WE would like to update readers on the progress that has been made by our charity, York Disaster Fund, in dealing with the aftermath of the flooding in York over Christmas last year.

But first we would like to thank all the individuals, businesses and charities who made donations to the charity which has enabled us to help all those whose lives were so affected by the flood.

The total raised during the York Flood Appeal was in the region of £695,000 and, with the match funding provided by the government, this was increased to a grand total of some £1.35 million.

The York Disaster Fund is a small charity set up after the floods in 2000. On Boxing Day 2015 when the extent of the flooding became clear, the trustees realised that dealing with the flood relief was a much bigger task and so worked with another local charity, Two Ridings Community Foundation, to run the appeal and manage the subsequent grant-making.

To date 242 grants have been made totalling about £305,000. Grant-making is by no means finished. Residents who were flooded but who have not applied for a grant should do so as soon as possible, even if the full cost of putting things right is not yet known. The trustees can only guarantee to respond fully to applications received before September 30.

Applications can be made online at www.trcf.org.uk or by phoning 01904 435277. A fund to help people in small businesses whose livelihoods were affected by the floods has also been established, details of which can be found at www.trcf.org.uk or by telephoning 01904 435 277.

Colin Stroud, Chair, York Disaster Fund