Community spirit was seen in abundance during the recent floods and five youngsters from Appleby are being rewarded for their efforts in providing hot drinks for those evacuated from their homes.

Grammar school pupils Jay-Jay Iveson, 13, Sarah Fitton, 13, Amy Fitton, 14, Aimie Good, 13, and Dean Cape, 13 are to receive Good Citizen awards from the town council after they were impressed with their enterprising idea of setting up a refuge for those without power and water.

Mayor Frank Harland made the announcement at last Wednesday's town council meeting and all councillors were fully supportive of the idea. "With approval we will present Good Citizen certificates to the five children from the Grammar school who early on Saturday organised a coffee morning to help those on Chapel Street," he said. "They were a tremendous help."

The children were surprised to be praised for their efforts and initially just wanted to get a drink for themselves. "We just wanted to get somewhere warm and get a drink," explained Jay-Jay. With supplies coming from Aimie's house the group then decided to start making teas and coffees for others evacuated from their homes. Starting around lunchtime the kids were there for about three or four hours until power was restored to the town.

"We made about 100 drinks," said Amy. "At first people were just giving donations and later we started charging 50p.

"We made about £25 and some of that went towards the tsunami disaster appeal."

The idea was well received by locals who were cheered to see they could get a drink. "They were mostly old people who came in and one of them said I can smell the tea' as she walked in so we were glad we could help," added Dean.

The youngsters will each receive a certificate to thank them for their efforts after the town suffered one of its worst floods on record.