"FANTASTIC lads" and "one very special firm" are just two of the accolades posted on Facebook about Sedbergh builder Eddie Lord and his team for their community spirit during December's floods.

Whether delivering sandbags to Glenridding, taking sodden furniture and carpets to the tip, or pumping out houses, Eddie and his firm did many jobs free-of-charge among their paid workload, even offering to deliver sandbags on Boxing Day. Their "endless selfless acts" have led to two Flood Heroes nominations.

"Eddie and his guys selflessly went out many days and nights on the trot trying to prevent the flooding by delivering sandbags to people, pumping out water and generally helping people at all hours," said Chelsea Turrell, of IBIS Sports and Social Club, Kendal, where Eddie's team did post-flood repairs.

"After the floods had caused their devastation he spent weeks doing tip runs free of charge, clearing out and helping rebuild people's lives. Without his help we wouldn't be where we are now."

Sue Young, of Levens, also praised Eddie Lord Builders for "doing anything they could, even tackling Glenridding when police warned people to stay away".

Eddie told the Gazette: "It's good to know that people appreciate us.

"Everyone pulled together as a community. I've never really witnessed anything on that scale locally. Out on the streets, all the neighbours, everyone just helped everyone else. The community support was unbelievable."

* Send your Flood Heroes nominations to mike.addison@kendal.newsquest.co.uk