MORE heroes of the York floods last winter have been nominated for the York & District Medal.

The Press teamed up with City of York Council earlier this year to create the medal, with support from York-based mutual healthcare provider, Benenden.

The aim was to provide formal recognition for the heroes who sprang to the aid of residents and businesses who suffered devastating damage when rivers such as the Ouse, Foss and Wharfe broke their banks on Boxing Day following prolonged and heavy rain.

Volunteers helped people escape from their inundated properties, collected and distributed aid such as food and blankets and assisted in the laborious clean-up process.

Commemorative medallions have been created which will be presented by the Lord Mayor of York at a special, investiture-style reception at the Guildhall next month.

Olivia-May Kinder proposed her boyfriend James Castle for a medal, saying he gave up his time over Christmas to help collect and deliver goods to flood victims in James Street and help deliver pet food to community centres.

She said he helped unload the wagon of donated goods that came from Norfolk and then spent cold nights sorting through the goods in a barn and delivering to those in need.

“He was part of the team that helped unload and store the 100 beds that were donated,” she said.

Alison Houlgate nominated Paula Anne Pidd, saying they had worked from Heworth Church Hall to help flood victims, providing a refuge and offering advice, and they also raised money for those who suffered in the floods.

“Paula selflessly shut her business and donated so much of her time to helping York, she deserves a medal,” she said.

Sharon Lewis, of York Teaching hospital NHS Foundation Trust, nominated Eleanor King and The Renal Haemodialysis Team, saying:”They went the extra mile during the floods on the Sunday between Xmas and New Year - ensuring dialysis patients could get to their dialysis sessions safely.

“Eleanor came in on the Sunday and helped support the team.”

Beryl Otley nominated Thomas Hart of Upper Poppleton, saying he spent many hours helping out in Huntington Road despite working full-time shifts. “His community spirit is great and as a young person was a credit to his generation,” she said.