OVER 100 children who supported those affected by the Boxing Day floods will today receive a special thanks by the Lord Mayor of York.

The youngsters, many of whom gave up their Christmas holidays to get stuck in with the clean-up project, have previously not received recognition for their efforts.

The children will be honoured at a special open day at York Maze and each will receive a free ticket to return to the Maze this summer as thanks.

Tony Castle, a member of the York floods support group and recipient of a York & District Medal for his work with flood victims, explained: “Many people came together to help the victims of the Boxing Day floods last year. There have been medals and praise for many of the adults who made extraordinary contributions, but until now the children who helped have not been properly recognised.”

Some children braved the cold until as late as midnight serving food to affected locals, while others delivered care packages and offered their help cleaning houses and gardens.

Tom Pearcy, on behalf of York Maze said: “I am delighted to be able to offer the facilities here at York Maze to thank the children who helped support the flood victims, many of whom were families with children themselves. It is great that the Lord Mayor of York has been able to come and join the children for some fun at the Maze.”