The Duke of York spoke today of his shock at Yorkshire's flooding disaster - and sent a strong message of support to victims and emergency workers.

A letter from Prince Andrew was faxed to the Evening Press as hundreds of householders and businesses across North and East Yorkshire battled to cope with more flooding misery.

In the York area, about 400 properties have been flooded, but hundreds more in the Leeman Road area were saved when flood defences held for a second time last night with the Ouse peaking more than a foot below the top of the banks.

Askham Bryan College said almost half a foot of rain had fallen since the start of last week - more than the normal figure for the whole of October and November.

The Duke said: "When I visited North and East Yorkshire following the flooding in March last year I, like everyone, hoped that those floods were an exceptional occurrence.

"It is therefore a great shock that, little more than eighteen months later, severe flooding should once again be affecting lives and livelihoods in communities both there and elsewhere in the region.

"My thoughts are with all those who are affected by these floods. I also send my support to the emergency services and the many others who are working flat out to restore the affected areas to normal."

A Buckingham Palace spokesman said that the Queen and other members of the Royal Family were following events across the country with concern.

It is hoped to arrange visits by the Prince of Wales or the Princess Royal.

The flooded properties in the York area are at Naburn(47), Bishopthorpe (71), Acaster Malbis (10), Elvington (6), Rawcliffe (170), South Bank (10), Clementhorpe (38), Fulford (54) and Nether Poppleton (1).

Experts said river levels were likely to stay high for "quite a period of time", with another half an inch of rain forecast over the next 24 hours.

Chief Supt Gary Barnett said two response teams of police officers and soldiers would still be on standby today to deal with any emergencies, and they would be looking at trying to reopen roads, in particular Shipton Road.