Donington and Spalding firefighters helping Yorkshire flood victims

Firefighters from south Lincolnshire have been drafted into Yorkshire to help the flood hit areas.

Crews from Donington and Spalding along with colleagues from Grantham and Gainsborough have been evacuating residents along with pumping flood water away from towns and villages.

Lincolnshire crews were called up to Yorkshire at the end of last week after flooding was reported.

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More than a month's worth of rain fell in 36 hours last week with areas around Sheffield and Doncaster being worst affected.

Some of the worst scenes have been seen in the Fishlake area, where Donington Watch Manager John Scott has been since Monday evening.

He and his colleagues are working 12 hour shifts in helping to pump flood water into the River Don.

Speaking from the scene Mr Scott, who was also at Whaley Bridge and Wainfleet floods earlier this year, said: "South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue came to assist us when we were flooded in Wainfleet but that is what we are well trained for.

"We are proud to come and assist."

Station manager Tom Patrick, who is based at the training department in Waddington, said that Spalding and Boston firefighters were called in on Thursday morning with their swift water rescue boats to help rescue people or evacuate them from their homes.

Crews from Grantham and Donington followed on Sunday with their high volume water pumps.

Lincolnshire crews have also been working with the military and Environment Agency to reconnoitre areas of river bank which needed ballast.

Mr Patrick, who had been in Yorkshire over the weekend, said there was great camaraderie amongst residents and fire crews.

He said: "Everyone wanted to help each other out and could not do enough for the emergency services."