A couple have sung the praises of all who helped their flood-hit community.

Laura and Lee Shaw, of Park Road in Elland, were “overwhelmed” with the support given to them and the 30 houses and businesses on their street, engulfed by a “terrifying” flood on Boxing Day.

People from as far away as Fife in Scotland descended on the street, which lies next to the Calder and Hebble Navigation canal.

With them, they brought food, building supplies and offers of free restoration work.

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Others have already donated over £3,000 to a fundraising page set up by Lee to help fund repairs to uninsured residents.

The flood was the fourth to hit since 2008. Lee, 38, became the street’s flood warning warden after a smaller flood hit on December 12.

READ MORE:Watch the devastation caused by the floods between Brighouse and Elland

READ MORE: Specialist fire crews called in to carry out Elland Bridge repair work

Talking about the Boxing Day flood, he said: “It was unreal and terrifying. The last time it flooded like this was in 1967. I warned people on Christmas Day to move their cars because I thought the canal was going to breach.

“I went to work on Boxing Day but came back at 7.30am and the flooding started soon after. The water kept rising until 6pm when it was seven foot deep.

“We tried to defend our house but became trapped so police rescued our children and we escaped and went to Laura’s parents’ house.

“It destroyed our back garden and filled our cellar.”

Lee and Laura quickly began to help the community clear up.

“I asked for help on Facebook and within hours 30 people began to appear with gloves, shovels and supplies”, said Lee. “It was overwhelming.

“Local companies donated supplies and we opened a soup kitchen for those hit, where they could keep warm. We took things to people who were in shock and didn’t want to ask for help at first.”

Laura said: “We didn’t know these people before but they’ve been brilliant and our neighbours helped each other out so everyone’s much closer now.

“We’re going to have a street party in the summer to thank everyone.”

Amazing new pictures show the havoc wreaked by the Christmas floods in Brighouse and Elland