THE flood, sweat and tears of last October and November will not be easily forgotten by the people of York.

For weeks, the city remained on tenterhooks, battling against rising river levels and unrelenting downpours, as Britain endured the worst floods in 400 years.

Finally, the River Ouse could take no more and burst its banks, flooding parts of the city and bringing misery to thousands.

However, while the entire city stood in danger of being submerged, the never-say-die spirit of a regiment of soldiers managed to turn the tide.

Working around the clock against ever-rising water levels and a burst river, the determination of the 2 Signal Regiment to defend the city against the flooding gave residents hope when all seemed lost.

Enduring torrential rain and freezing temperatures, the tireless sandbagging by the men and women of the regiment, based at Imphal Barracks, in York, saved many parts of the city from certain flooding.

On Saturday, the people of York stopped to salute the 200 soldiers who refused to give up, with their greatest honour - the Freedom of Entry into the city.

Marching proudly through York's streets, with swords drawn and bayonets fixed, the soldiers trooped into Duncombe Place to see their commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Ian Cameron-Mowat, receive the Freedom scroll from the Lord Mayor of York, Councillor Shan Braund.

Led by the bands of the Royal Corps of Signals and the Royal Signals Territorial Army, the troops marched through the city to the Mansion House where the salute was taken by the Master of Signals, Major General Ian Sprackling, accompanied by Coun Braund.

She said: "I am very pleased that I have the honour of bestowing this award on the regiment in my year as Mayor.

"The work they have done for the city is very special. They are a credit to the armed services."

Speaking on behalf of the regiment, which has recently undertaken several tours in the Balkans and the Falkland Islands, Lt Col Cameron-Mowat said the Freedom scroll was a special honour.

He said: "The Freedom of the City of York is a great honour for the regiment and one which we will be proud of forever.

"The city has been good to the regiment over the years and, in return, we have been proud to help with charity work and, more recently, to play a part in the flood relief effort."