EMERGENCY workers battled to save thousands of people from flooding misery last night as heavy rain lashed the region.

The beleaguered city of York was under siege for yet another night after the River Ouse threatened to peak just inches below its record level.

Soldiers continued to reinforce flood defences which the Environment Agency said were being tested like never before.

In York last night, emergency services told hundreds of homeowners to be ready for a mass evacuation.

The Environment Agency also pleaded with residents not to become complacent about the city's £8m flood defence system holding out. Spokesman Craig McGarvey said: "People need to take these warnings seriously, stay off the roads and stay out of the water."

A severe flood warning remained in place on the River Derwent, which has swamped the towns of Malton and Norton in the past week.

Norton homeowner Dave Gillespie returned to devastating scenes at his Church Street home yesterday. He had only just finished redecorating after the great floods which hit Ryedale in 1999.

Hambleton District Council issued an urgent appeal for the owners of empty homes to offer to help flood victims. The authority is looking for temporary accommodation for 12 families affected by the flash floods.

People with offers of help are are asked to contact the council's 24-hour floodline on (01609) 767028 or 767029.

Rest centres are on stand-by to deal with evacuations if the situation deteriorates further, particularly in Kirby Wiske, Myton on Swale, Maunby, Helperby and Brafferton.

Council staff in Northallerton filled more than 5,000 sandbags yesterday to bring stocks back up to over 6,000.

Meanwhile, emergency workers accepted Vale of York MP Anne McIntosh's claim in the Commons that Rawcliffe suffered badly as efforts concentrated on York last week.

A spokesman for Silver Command flood control in York admitted there was "a slowness in reaction", but said there had been no information about a risk of flooding in Rawcliffe.

He added: "When the seriousness of the situation became apparent, resources were immediately targeted into the Rawcliffe area."

Meanwhile, staff at Middleham's Key Centre, in the Yorkshire Dales are insisting it is business as usual, despite floodwater finding its way in.

The downpour on Thursday lifted the floor of the Richard III Hall into a 2ft "wave", but it has since been flattened - and other minor repairs are due for completion by the end of the month.

Centre manager, Tracey Clarkson, said: "The big events we planned between now and Christmas will go ahead - come hell or high water.