THE Press is teaming up with City of York Council to honour the heroes of the floods which devastated York and North Yorkshire after Christmas.

The York & District Medal will be presented to people or organisations who stepped up to the plate and came to the rescue of inundated homes and businesses.

We are asking flood victims to nominate their personal heroes, be they next-door neighbours, members of the emergency services, charities or external rescue organisations.

We want readers to tell their stories of how rescuers’ courage and compassion helped them through a traumatic time, when their lives and livelihoods have been severely disrupted by the floodwaters and the grim aftermath.

Many of their stories will be reported in The Press to help bring their achievements to a wider audience and encapsulate the pride in their community felt by York and its neighbouring towns and villages, including Tadcaster and Cawood.

A special panel will be appointed to select the 50 recipients who best represent the efforts of those who selflessly gave their time and energy to support others in distress, and 50 unique, specially-designed commemorative medallions will be presented in a velvet-lined box by the Lord Mayor of York at a special, investiture-style reception at one of York’s most historic buildings, such as The Guildhall.

The presentations event, and Commendation certificates for those who don’t receive a medal, are being supported by York-based mutual healthcare provider, Benenden.

The 50 recipients will also feature in a special souvenir pull-out supplement in The Press after the event. Those who are nominated but not selected to receive the commemorative medal will still receive a Commendation.

Editor of The Press Perry Austin-Clarke said: “A great Many people from all walks of life – from professionals to volunteers to next-door neighbours – went out of their way to help the victims of flooding, often without a thought for their own comfort or safety.

“We know, because they’ve told us, that many of those who were helped are eternally grateful to their rescuers and supporters and they want to be able to say ‘thank you’ in a tangible way.

“We hope this specially-commissioned medallion will go some way towards recognising those special people and registering the gratitude of the city and those citizens and residents of neighbouring towns whose lives were turned upside down by the flooding and relieved only by the unstinting efforts of others.”

York council leader Chris Steward said: “While the floods were an incredibly tough time for York, we also saw some of the best in people as they worked together to help friends, neighbours or even people they had never met before.

“The spirit showed York residents at their best and it is great The Press are helping give this opportunity for us again to say thank you to the volunteers, and highlight some of the greatest stars in an area of hundreds of people doing so much good.”

Deputy leader Keith Aspden said: “These awards will recognise some of the efforts of those who helped deal with the devastating flooding in December. The way local communities rallied round to help households and businesses hit by flooding was extraordinary.

“This is an opportunity to say thank you to the volunteers, community groups and local services involved.”

Lawrence Christensen, marketing director at Benenden, said: “As a York-based community business, we’re really pleased to come on board as main sponsors for these awards which recognise the phenomenal work of those who made such a difference during the recent devastating floods in the city.

“We saw so many inspirational people and groups coming together to support their wider community and believe these awards will be a real chance to celebrate this fantastic work.”

All you need to do to nominate your flood heroes is email newsdesk@thepress.co.uk with your name, address and contact details, plus the name and contact details (if available) of the person you are nominating, and explain the reasons for the nomination.

Alternatively, send your completed nominations to York & District Medal, Newsdesk, The Press, 84-86 Walmgate, York YO1 9YN.