KENNEL staff who risked their lives to save 29 dogs from drowning have received an award for bravery.

Mary Griffiths and her partner, Ray Yoward, plunged into rising flood waters to free the trapped dogs.

Their kennels, in Hawnby, near Pickering, North Yorkshire, were engulfed when flash floods hit the region in June last year.

Ms Griffiths, 65, owner of Rye Boarding Kennels and Cattery, said: "There was a tremendous roaring and the next thing we were escaping out of the bedroom window.

"We had to swim under the water to get to the dogs and then put them on the roof.

"Ray had to rescue me at one point by knocking through the roof and lifting me up when I got trapped.

"We even managed to rescue one blind and deaf red setter - we tied her to the weather vane so she didn't go anywhere."

In total, the couple, together with estate manager John Richardson, and staff members Julie Barr and Moira Jemson, saved 29 dogs.

Only three animals died in the floods.

All of the cats, which were housed higher up, survived.

Mrs Griffiths was later airlifted to hospital in Northallerton with a suspected heart attack.

To recognise their efforts, animal welfare charity Dogs Trust has presented the team with its Bravery and Services to Dogs award.

Dogs Trust Leeds re-homing centre manager Amanda Sands travelled to Hawnby to present the award.

She said: "Mary and her team have shown great dedication to the dogs in their care, despite a real danger to themselves.

"The fact they saved so many dogs in such extreme conditions is amazing and, on behalf of Dogs Trust, I would like to express my admiration for their actions."

The couple are hoping to build a replacement kennels and bungalow on higher ground in the village.