Homeowners engulfed by flood waters more than two years ago say the new defences have passed their first test.

The Environment Agency pumped more than £1 million into constructing a new flood wall and clearing the River Aire at Stockbridge, Keighley, which has prevented a repetition of the November 2000 flooding disaster.

Then, 40 families were forced to flee their homes when the river burst its banks at the back of the Bridge Inn in Stockbridge.

Damage was so extensive that some families did not return to their homes for almost a year.

Stockbridge residents have been on the alert over the last few days as the River Aire reached its highest levels for several months.

Joan O'Hara, of Florist Street, whose home backs on to the river, said: "This new barrier has been brilliant. We've watched the water come up and go down again.

"People are getting on with making their gardens nice now we don't have to worry about floods destroying them - though of course the barrier has yet to be properly put to the test."

Andrew Abbott, chairman of Stockbridge Neighbourhood Development Group, said people were getting a little anxious on New Year's Eve as the water rose but he had confidence in the flood defence system.

He said: "My confidence was there all the time but people were getting a bit nervous and asking questions on New Year's Eve because of all the rain we'd had. The water did come up but then it fell again. The risk of flooding was far off this time and I think the worst of the wet weather is over."

The floods two years ago affected 290 residents and 15 commercial properties.

The Environment Agency has since carried out defence work, including raising an existing steel sheetpile wall at the back of Florist Street and building a new floodwall to the Bridge Inn car park.

Flood-proofing work was carried out on commercial buildings between the Bridge Inn and Bradford Road bridge,

An earth embankment was raised between the River Aire and River Worth and an access ramp was constructed to allow vehicles to gain access to the river and carry out drainage work if defences were swamped.

An Environment Agency spokesman said: "We are pleased people in Stockbridge are able to notice the difference the defences can make to their lives. We are aware of the misery flooding can cause for families."

The final phase of the scheme is due to be completed by the end of the year.