A SCOUT leader who got a village's Beavers, Cubs and Scouts involved in a major York flood relief operation has been nominated for the York & District Medal.

Alan Murray, an assistant Beaver Scout leader at 1st Copmanthorpe Scout Group, said he saw news of the flooding in York while away with his family and thought the group could become involved because part of the Scout Promise was to help other people.

He said they first collected items such as food and cleaning materials from villagers, and then stored them at the village's Methodist Church before taking them to a distribution point at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Acomb.

Then they went to Huntington Road to serve hot drinks and food to flood victims and volunteers, utility workers and members of the emergency services.

Stephen Hudson, whose son is a Cub and has nominated Alan, said: "Alan spent four straight days with the scouts at Huntington bridge, making and distributing bacon sandwiches and soup for all the people impacted by the floods and helpers. An amazing demonstration of the scout motto, do a good turn every day."

Alan said: "I'm very flattered that someone has taken the time to put my name forward, though it certainly was a group effort from the wider community. I merely had the idea, and got the ball rolling.

"All in all, we collected and dropped off six van loads of essential items of cleaning products, toiletries, and non-perishable food for all the flood victims.

"We served hot drinks, bacon sandwiches, soup, mince pies, fresh made cream cakes and cookies to name a few things, for three days. We helped two families clear their flood-damaged possessions out of their homes.

"Items were donated from M &K Butchers, Nestle, Trinacria Café, Sainsbury’s Monks Cross, David Wilson Butchers, and Go Outdoors dropped off a load of gas stoves for the Residents for Huntington Road, and surrounding area, whilst there was no power."

The Press has teamed up with City of York Council to honour the heroes who came to the rescue of homes and businesses which were inundated, through the medal, with support from York-based mutual healthcare provider, Benenden. To nominate your flood heroes 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.