A HOMELESS man who helped residents in the Navigation Road area of York recover from flooding has been nominated for a York & District Medal.

Lee Moran, 44, assisted dozens of people in devastated flats in the estate off Walmgate after the River Foss burst its banks on December 27.

He built a makeshift bridge so an elderly woman and a young family could get into an ambulance, collected supplies for those unable to leave their homes and acted as a security guard to protect the properties from thieves.

He told The Press last month how he had been in prison in the past, and homeless for three years, and 'something just sparked inside him' when he saw the flooding and its impact on residents.

Emma Morgan, who volunteered on the estate herself, said he had gone 'above and beyond' but wouldn't take any thanks for it.

Lee has been nominated by Belinda Jane Wilson, of Thistleton Court, Margaret Street, off Walmgate, 'for the help he gave and he is still giving for the flood victims.'

The medal aims to recognise the people or organisations who came to the rescue of homes and businesses across York, and in towns and villages such as Tadcaster and Cawood, which were inundated in the period after Christmas.

It has been created by The Press in partnership with City of York Council, with support from York-based mutual healthcare provider, Benenden.

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.

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.