RESIDENTS in a North-East village are furious at claims that a hero who helped them in their hour of need has been reprimanded for his actions.

And Russ Watson, from the St John Ambulance, is so devastated by criticisms relating to insurance liabilities that he has handed in his notice.

Mr Watson was one of a number of volunteers who came to residents' rescue when the east Cleveland village of Skinningrove was hit by flash floods in July.

Stephanie Asplin-Wakefield, parish councillor for Skinningrove and Carlin How, said the village would have had serious problems if it hadn't been for Mr Watson and his team's help.

"They were a Godsend - I can't think for the life of me why he should be reprimanded for doing his job. They should be praised as they all did an excellent job on the day. He stayed longer than most people he was fantastic and he got his hands dirty filing sandbags, it is just ludicrous."

A spokesman for St John Ambulance said the organisation was looking into the matter. Officials will meet Mr Watson, his wife Rebecca, and fellow volunteers, on Tuesday, to discuss the matter