THE efforts of a community and a local authority to rebuild a village in the wake of terrible flooding has been highlighted at a national awards ceremony.

Skinningrove, east Cleveland, was devastated by floods twice last year but thanks to help from Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council the people of the village were able to get the place back on its feet again.

The council's diary of the traumatic days in the aftermath of the flood - which ruined more than 100 homes, was one of five shortlisted in the Local Government Chronicle's Community Initiative from councils across the country.

A delegation, including officers and residents, travelled to London for Tuesday's ceremony and were delighted to have received a certificate of commendation.

Councillor Dave McLuckie, lead member for community safety, said: "The officers who went to London worked 18-hour days for no extra pay or time off and at great personal expense to ensure we put the village back on a level footing as quickly as possible.

"They deserve this accolade as do the villagers themselves. Being shortlisted is an award in itself, giving clear recognition of how well the council and the community worked together."