A NORTH-EAST hero at the centre of a controversy over his involvement in helping flood victims has been praised by the Prime Minister.

Russ Watson resigned from the east Cleveland branch of the St John Ambulance after he was criticised for the way he helped residents in Skinningrove when flooding devastated the village in July.

He was supported by the other members of his club, who also resigned. The results of an investigation into the affair are expected at the end of March.

But on Monday, Mr Watson, along with other members of the rescue team from the Redcar and Cleveland area, visited 10 Downing Street to talk to Tony and Cherie Blair.

The other members of the team were Sheila Gilfoyle, who runs the village post office, Sergeant Richard Schofield, from Guisborough Community Police Team, and Zhorah Zancudi, from Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council.

Mr Blair said he wanted to talk to people who had hands-on experience of dealing with the floods, which devastated so much of the country. Skinningrove was hit three times.

Mr Watson said: "I got to shake his hand and he asked me about my involvement and I just told him what we did and how the area was affected."

Mr Watson also told Mrs Blair he was disappointed that rescue workers' partners - the unsung heroes of the operation - were not invited.

Councillor Dave McLuckie, community safety member with Redcar and Cleveland Council, said: "They all felt there were people more deserving than themselves, though none of them should feel guilty.

"But it has done nothing to uplift spirits in Skinningrove as people are saying it would have been nicer if Mr Blair had visited the village himself.

"I am delighted Russ was able to go but saddened that, while the council felt he deserved this, the only way St John Ambulance could honour him was of a disciplinary nature.