THE Flood Re insurance scheme is appealing for entries for a local heroes competition for people who make a difference during flooding.

Entries are open until Monday, September 18, and the winner will get £10,000 to be invested in their community’s response to flooding, or to a local flood relief charity.

Flood Re is the government-backed scheme which helps people who live in flood risk areas get affordable insurance.

Its “Local Heroes” award, which opened to entrants in July, was launched to mark the ten- year anniversary of the 2007 floods that hit all over the UK and devastated communities - including in York.

Organisers say the award is there to recognise individuals, community groups and local flood action groups that have shown leadership and resilience around flood relief efforts.

An expert panel of six will initially draw up a shortlist of six entrants, which will be announced in October, and the judges will then decide on the national winner and five runners-up, to be announced at a reception at the Palace of Westminster on Tuesday, November 28.

With nominations still open, people are being asked to put forward their “local hero” - be that themselves or a group or individual who made a real difference during tough times of flooding.

Andy Bord, chief executive of Flood Re and chairman of the judging panel, said: “We’ve heard stories of heroism, resilience, and community spirit from all over the country. It’s been inspiring to read the many amazing entrants to this competition we have received already.

“We’d like to thank everyone who has taken the time to submit a nomination, and to remind everyone who would like to but hasn’t yet that it’s not too late.

“I look forward to working with the other five judges to pick out the very best entrants and come to a final decision on who most deserves the title of Local Hero.”

Mr Bord also thanked sponsors Covéa Insurance and NFU Mutual. More information at www.floodre.co.uk