Minister recognises flood workers

Mr Healey visited flood-affected residents on a walkabout in May

Floods recovery minister John Healey has been in Barnsley to mark the first anniversary of the floods which swamped large parts of South Yorkshire.

He announced government plans to recognise the work of volunteers and charity staff who have helped victims of the floods over the past 12 months.

Mr Healey met South Yorkshire Flood Disaster Relief Fund leaders who have raised £1.5m to help victims.

The minister also met people who have been given grants from the fund.

The flood fund's chief executive, Pauline Grice, was invited by the minister to a Downing Street reception next month.

A spokesman for the Department for Communities and Local Government said the aim was to recognise the long-term efforts of "the third sector in getting thousands of people back to normal once the emergency service response was over last summer".