Volunteers praised for helping cancer-stricken pensioner battle through the floods

They leapt into action after Ted Houston's flat in Radcliffe Road, Bury, was flooded following unprecedented levels of rainfall on Boxing Day. The group swept out water, replaced his furniture and helped him buy a new car after his old one was ruined by the deluge.

Now, they have been praised for their actions and presented with a Bury Council award for offering exceptional community support to Mr Houston, who sadly died after becoming ill in April.

The winners were Shazaad Haider, of Fairway Motor Company and Andy Loynes, Emily Owen, George Rimmer, Imran Younis, Fasar Khashnood, Yvonne Bagguley, Omar Farooq and Steve and Lucy Houghton-Burnett.

Mr Houston, aged 71, who lived alone and suffered from leukaemia, struggled in the weeks after the floods to attend crucial appointments at The Christie Hospital in Manchester. But his new pals rallied round to arrange lifts and make sure he had everything he needed to get back on his feet.

Redvales Cllr Tamoor Tariq said: "Myself and the residents were helping lots of people after Boxing Day, but Ted never came forward to say he needed help, it was a neighbour who made us aware of him.

“Water had got into his flat and damaged his kitchen and bedroom. The volunteers cleaned up, got him a new bed and dresser. The floodwaters were so bad on the road that you could only see windscreens of cars.

“At the time, nobody knew Ted had cancer, but he said that, because of his car, he was having to go to the Christie by public transport and he felt like collapsing when he got off the bus.”

A Bury Council spokesman said the group provided other flood relief work. He added: "Emily Owen was serving Christmas dinner at a care home when the Boxing Day floods came. She helped evacuate people, and transport them to the relief hub that had been set up in Radcliffe and Bury.

"She was joined by Imran Younis, Faisal Khasnoud, Yvonne Bagguley, Andrew Loynes, Shazad Haider, Omar Farooq, and George Rimmer.They immediately started working together in the Redvales area, and set up a chat group on social media.

"They all gave up their Christmas holidays and worked tirelessly, buying equipment and cleaning out people's homes, loaded skips, cleaned gardens and brought food to those who had nothing.

"The fitted washing machines, collected furniture, and even bought Mr Houston a car.

"Steve and his wife Lucy used their organisational skills, contacts and leadership to ensure than hundreds of people in Radcliffe and Ramsbottom were helped during the floods."

Bury Council leader, Cllr Rishi Shori, said: "These volunteers have shown selflessness to support people in need, particularly Ted. They have dedicated their time to providing a better life for others."

Mr Loynes said: "The flat is next to the River Irwell and the scene on that street on Boxing Day was unbelievable, with water rising all the time.Ted was instantly likeable. He wasn't well and, despite his flat being flooded, he had a laugh with us. He was funny and a good guy.

"Ted's passing is very sad and we will miss him. I am happy that the group could help him. The best in people comes out in adversity."