A Stockbridge couple hit by last autumn's devastating floods have staged a party to thank those who helped them through the crisis.

The ground floor of Sue and Harry Brewer's Bradford Road home was submerged in several feet of water when the River Aire burst its banks at the end of October.

Since then the couple - with their daughter Susan - have been living in the first floor of the property while extensive repairs have been carried out downstairs.

And on Sunday, as a tribute to all those who have supported them and to celebrate the virtual completion of the work, they staged an open house.

Friends and neighbours along with members of the emergency services, council officials and Environment Agency staff, were all invited to call in.

Food and drink was provided, and there was a display of photographs showing the flooding at its peak. Guests included Sir James Hill, chairman of Bradford Council's flood appeal.

A competition and collection raised around £180 for Manorlands, the Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice.

"It has been a very difficult time but everyone has been marvellous and we wanted to thank them. A party seemed an ideal way," said Sue.

"It was an absolutely brilliant day.

"There was a really good turn out, and the weather was marvellous.

"We lost a lot in the floods, including all our kitchen equipment, but for example we got a fridge and cooker from a local church. People have been so kind.

"The builders Crown Domestic were fantastic and worked around us. There is still some work to do, but most of the major repairs are done."

Ironically a ground-floor shop area on the premises had been cleared just days before the flooding. It is now intended to refit and let the shop.

The trauma of recent months was compounded for the couple in January when Harry - a retired Yorkshire Electricity worker - went into hospital for a hip replacement operation.

Despite everything that has happened to them, Sue accepts that in some ways they have been fortunate.

"A lot of people have had to spend months living in temporary accommodation," she said. "At least we have been able to stay here."

And the couple have received a goodwill message from Prince Charles, who visited Stockbridge in February to meet residents affected by the floods and those involved in the rescue and support operations.

Sue said: "We wrote to the Prince inviting him to our party.

We received a very nice reply on his behalf saying that unfortunately he wouldn't be able to attend, but he wished us well."