MEMBERS of a York church who worked tirelessly to help the city's flood victims have been nominated for a York & District Medal.

Elder Paul Culbert, his wife, Sister Ethel Culbert, and other members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints helped out from the start when York was hit by devastating flooding on Boxing Day, said Tony Castle, who himself worked as a volunteer.

"They collected donations, cleaned, delivered and helped most of the other volunteers in some way," he said.

"Whenever I have needed help with anything, Paul was only a phone call away and would come and help.

"If he couldn't come, he always found someone who could come and lend a hand. Wherever help was needed, the Culberts or members of the LDS church were there."

He said that when a lorryload of aid from Norfolk arrived in York, the Culberts helped sort through all the donations, spending hours in a cold storage warehouse on winter nights to ensure the goods got out quickly.

"They were there all day when we unloaded all the donated beds, having to take them up in lifts at Pickfords storage. They also helped out many times at the Community Furniture Warehouse with sofas that had been donated."

He said the Culberts also helped out when a circus laid on a free show for flood victims at Clifton Moor last month.

York Press:

"We even got Paul up in the circus ring to help with the kiddies and he happily joined in the conga. If there is any group or individuals that deserve a thank you from York for their relentless effort and work during and since the floods, the church and these two do."

Elder Culbert said the church received tremendous support from the community and businesses, receiving donations from more than 300 people on the first day. He said that as well as storing, sorting and distributing aid, the church also sent out labour parties to help flood victims with specific tasks.

He said any flood victims still requiring assistance as they tried to return to their homes should call him on 07800 614706.

The medal scheme, organised by The Press and City of York Council, with support from York-based mutual healthcare provider, Benenden, is intended to provide recognition for the efforts of people, mostly volunteers, who stepped up to help out in the post-Christmas flooding.

Fifty commemorative medallions will be presented by the Lord Mayor of York at a special, investiture-style reception later this year.