Kiwi generosity has come as a tonic for people in a North Yorkshire village hit by flooding in the autumn.

A family from the other side of the world sent £50 to a pub at Naburn after hearing about the flooding that cut off the village.

The Smiths, who live in Papatoetoe, a suburb of Auckland, sent the money to the Blacksmith's Arms - with the order that licensee Philip Raistrick buys the villagers a round.

John Smith said: "I know it won't go that far, but, with the New Zealand dollar so low, it is all we can afford.

"I hope it brings a little cheer to the people of Naburn."

John, his wife, Roma, and sister-in-law, Betty, spent a week in a holiday cottage at Naburn in October, just before the village was hit by the worst flooding in living memory. During their stay, they were regulars in the Blacksmith's Arms, where they also ate many of their meals.

Betty said: "Not only was it peaceful and all we had come to imagine an English village to be, but the locals were absolutely great - friendly, helpful and a load of laughs.

"We hope you are recovering from your flood trauma. You will always be special to us."

Mr Raistrick used the money to help throw a New Year's party - to which all the villagers were invited.

He said: "I hope Mr Smith agrees that this was the way to distribute the money as he wished, and it was certainly appreciated by the residents.

"We do remember Mr Smith and his family, but this took us all by surprise. It is a lovely gesture and we will certainly welcome them back if they ever return to Naburn."

Updated: 10:43 Friday, January 12, 2001