HOUSEHOLDERS and firefighters were yesterday mopping up after flash floods hit several villages.

Waist-deep water gushed through five communities near Scotch Corner, North Yorkshire, on Thursday night, flooding homes, demolishing walls and tearing up tarmac.

Firefighters returned to the worst-hit village, Gilling West, yesterday, to continue pumping out.

Disabled ex-soldier Jonathan Stones lost thousands of pounds worth of furniture and kitchen equipment when 10in of water flowed into his house at The Green.

"My fridge, cooker, washing machine, settee and carpets are all ruined," said the 38-year-old.

"I am registered disabled and I wasn't insured, so it is going to hit me hard."

The problem was worsened when a wave caused by a tractor travelling through the flood knocked down a stone wall, he said.

Relatives were helping Denis and Patricia Coates to mop up after 18in of water rushed through their bungalow in the High Street, ruining carpets and furniture.

Pumping out continued at Oswin Grove sheltered housing complex, from where elderly residents were evacuated on Thursday night.

A horse which was rescued by firefighters from 5ft of water in its stable in Waters Lane at the height of the flooding, was safely on high ground.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said a boat was used to reach the stable and the owner helped coax out the gelding, which was unhurt.

At Melsonby, council workers cleared the remains of a stone footbridge which was demolished by the force of the water, blocking West Road.

The village school was closed as teachers and parents cleared up so that the leavers' assembly could go ahead in the afternoon.

The village sports day, which was due to take place this afternoon, was cancelled.

Abandoned cars remained at Hartforth Lane, Gilling West, and on the dual carriageway between Scotch Corner and Skeeby.

The Army was standing by to help as the Met Office forecast more rain for the area last night, including some heavy bursts.

One of the region's largest agricultural shows has been cancelled because of the weather.

Ryedale Show was due to have been staged at Welburn Park, Kirkbymoorside, North Yorkshire, on Tuesday, July 31.

Show organisers held an onsite emergency meeting on Wednesday night and decided the fields were too wet after recent torrential rain. With more bad weather forecast, they took the decision to call the event off.

It is only the second time in the show's 155-year history that it has been cancelled.