A BOOK has been published by the residents of a small village in North Yorkshire, which was hit by devastating floods ten years ago.

On June 19, 2005, Thirlby, near Thirsk, was hit by dramatic and sudden flooding, after torrential rain hit the village and other parts of North Yorkshire and the North-East.

Many people had been enjoying what had been a sunny summer afternoon and became caught out by the floods.

Two walkers were rescued by helicopter after they became trapped on a farm gate at Thirlby and many villagers’ homes were deluged by flood water. About a month’s worth of rain fell in three hours on the area.

Now villagers have written a book about their experiences.

The Great Flood Thirlby 2005 was launched at a ceremony held in the village hall near Thirsk.

The 150 page book provides a historical record of the event and was published by the Thirlby Local History Group.

It includes 34 eyewitness accounts of the day and 80 colour photographs.