RESTAURANT owner Robert Swift took matters into his own hands after he was faced with flooding again.

After the River Ouse flowed into York, the owner of The Waterfront restaurant came up with an ingenious flood barrier plan.

Insurance companies told the 47-year-old they would not cover his business after last year's devastating downpour cost him £160,000.

Mr Swift has built a series of detachable steel frames to make an airtight seal in front of his doors.

So, when river water lapped towards his premises, in King's Staith, during the weekend, Mr Swift had the ideal protection.

He said: "When I crossed the Clifton Bridge, I looked at the level of water and thought I would have 18in in the restaurant.

"I did not have any insurance after last year, so I had to do something. The defences are pure steel. held with sealant. It is airtight.

"The total clean-up last year cost £160,000. This has cost £400. A friend of mine suggested the plan, but to be honest I did not know if it would work until I checked the restaurant and everything was fine.

"You can detach the barriers and then build it up if there is a threat. I think it is quite clever.

"I have got a right result and have to say it is really marvellous.