A Ryedale chef has told how every heavy downpour sends him into near-panic - in case it plunges him into another flooding nightmare.

Dave Beck, head chef at the Royal Oak, Old Malton, said that not only the pub, but also his home, were washed out by floodwater when the River Derwent burst its banks in March last year.

"It was an absolute nightmare," he said. "My wife and I do not want to have to leave Old Malton - we love living here - but to live here is to also live with near-panic every time it rains in case there is another flood."

The head chef was speaking out in support of the Evening Press campaign to Save Ryedale From Flooding, which is calling for urgent action to prevent further floods in communities, including Old Malton. He said that anything raising the profile of the flood threat to Ryedale was to be welcomed.

"I have seen the latest adverts the Environment Agency have issued about the floods, based along the theme of 'you can't prevent it, just prepare for it', but that's not true.

"You can prevent it and there are a number of flood defence schemes that could be more closely looked at.

"There is action that can be taken to put the people's minds at rest, and if this Evening Press campaign helps the powers-that- be to realise that then it can only be a good thing."

During the flood, the Royal Oak, at first a refuge for washed-out residents of Old Malton, ended up under almost four feet of water.

The fixtures and fittings were badly damaged, stock was ruined and the pub had to be closed for some time for repairs.

Landlady Juliet Stimson also backed our petition.

She said: "I will certainly give this campaign my support. Unfortunately, flooding is a major issue around here and it can be quite worrying when the rain starts to fall heavily.

"Anything at all that helps to put the pressure on for something to be done, or even just to generate more debate, has got to be helpful and, hopefully, this campaign will do that."