I WOULD like to offer my sincerest sympathy to those people that have been affected by the floods but, in all honesty, I can’t.

They have chosen to live on a flood plain, so at some time, it must have occurred to them that what has happened was going to happen.

I would have thought that the idea would have been to learn the lessons and make all the necessary arrangements to see that it doesn't happen to you again, but if it does, that you are ready and everything in place to deal and cope with it.

But no, every time we have an extra bad wet winter, it’s the same sad story and make no mistake, it is a sad story.

I know for my house is situated in a very vulnerable place and, before I took some necessary measures, I have had the ground floor covered in inches of water.

But, as I chose to live here, it was my responsibility to either put up with it or solve the problem, which I am very glad to say we have successfully managed to do.

I know that sounds a bit harsh, a bit smug, but if you choose a house and live in a beautiful area that is known, and expected to flood, then surely you have to accept a little of the responsibility.

I recall the River Ribble overflowing when we were living at the De Tabley; the cellar and the lower floors were awash, and the roads to Ribchester were almost impassable, but everybody in the village buckled to and what could have been a big disaster was diverted by the great spirit and camaraderie of the people who lived there.

The great thing about us British is that we’re at our best when our backs are to the wall.

This is shown time and time again, and that’s why I know that those people suffering from the floods will tackle their problems and survive all the stronger.