THE HEROISM of a village community shone through yesterday as residents began to tackle the aftermath of metre-deep floods.

Wakened by the sound of running water, residents of Main Street, Bolton-by-Bowland, praised Robin Mason, who waded down the flooded road at 5.55am telling them and other householders to prepare for the floods.

Mr Mason, 48, a plumber, said: "My wife heard the water coming so I ran out and moved the cars out of the village. After that I started knocking everyone up so they could get sandbags down but by then the water was about 3ft deep.

"I have lived here for 23 years but have never seen a flood like this."

Barbara Evans, 73, who was supposed to be celebrating her birthday yesterday, had heard the rain in the night. She had looked out to see the water draining away so said she went back to bed unconcerned.

She said: "I couldn't believe the scene when Robin woke me up this morning. The whole of the street looked more like a torrential river.

"The community has really pulled together and everyone has mucked in to help those who were worst affected.

"Neighbours Eddie White and Roger Dewhurst have been helping me sweep out all the water from downstairs. Just when I thought my birthday was ruined, they appeared with a great big chocolate birthday cake for me.

"I didn't know whether to laugh or cry."

At the highest point, the flood water covered road signs and seeped into cars - some of which had to be towed away.

"Owners of cars that would start had the time consuming task of emptying them of 5in of flood water.

Johnathan Mason, 32, a farmer escaped with just a wet kitchen floor.

He said: "We were really lucky to escape mostly unaffected. My wife, Rachel, has just had our second son William, and I only brought them home from hospital yesterday evening."

"Flood water or not the cows needed milking but I had to put the sandbags down before setting off to work."

In other areas of East Lancashire flood waters had affected homes, schools and businesses.

The driver of a red Mercedes had to swim for freedom in Sawley after his car went under 4ft of flood water.

Firefighters who rescued the man said he was lucky to have escaped without injury and then promptly closed the road.

At another flood scene in Waddington, Sub Officer Ronnie Eatough, from Clitheroe Fire Station, said: "We spent all morning pumping flood water from homes and roads.

"The Coach and Horses pub at Bolton-by-Bowland was particularly bad, with 4ft of water in the cellar. We had to get in there quickly because of all the electrics down there.

"While the weather is bad I would suggest putting out sandbags at night before going to bed.

"Then at least you can get a good night's sleep safe in the knowledge that you won't wake up with water in your house."