A former Mayor of Malton, has written to the Archbishops of Canterbury and York to seek an emergency debate at the General Synod which meets in London next week.

Martin Dales' home is two doors away from the current flood level in Old Malton, which, overnight, has exceeded the 1999 levels.

Mr Dales, a lay member of the Synod, said: "I invited the Archbishop of York to visit the towns of Malton and Norton to see for himself the situation here and he came despite being under water at his own home Bishopthorpe Palace, York.

"Reflecting on that visit, I feel it is right that the General Synod should have the opportunity to hear members' experiences and, in a Motion, 'to send its support, sympathy and continued prayers for all those affected by the floods and asks this Government to recognises a state of emergency in the areas concerned.'"

Philip Mawer, the Secretary General of the General Synod and the Archbishops' Council, has said that a space in the agenda will be created on Tuesday.

Mr Dales said: "I am pleased that space has been found in the agenda and hope to have the opportunity of contributing to this important debate on a serious issue that is affecting so many people nationwide."