Pub manager Stephen Ashworth was up to his knees in water trying frantically to save his business and belongings from the floods sweeping the nation.

But now, thanks to friends and regulars who helped in the mammoth clean-up at the Boathouse Inn in Saltaire, it is business as usual.

And Mr Ashworth, pictured, is so grateful to those who helped that he is splashing out on a party for them as a special thank you.

Mr Ashworth, 39, said: ''I am overwhelmed by the support I have received from people who have chipped in to help get the business up and running again.

''I had to think of a way of showing my gratitude and a big party seemed the obvious answer.''

The floods caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to the pub and the situation was made more dire by the fact the pub is all on one level.

''We don't have an upstairs or downstairs. It made me laugh when the advice given on radio and television was to put belongings on the next floor as I thought I would have to go on the roof."

It was Tuesday afternoon when water began seeping through under the door. By 6pm there was three foot of water in the building, destroying furniture, clothes, food and equipment. Luckily the wiring was not affected.

''There has been thousands of pounds of damage but the insurance company has paid up. But without the help of our regulars we would never have been able to get up and running so quickly. We had a quiz last night and about 150 people turned up for that.

''I had people mopping, cleaning and pulling up the old carpet. One gentleman, Derek Johnson, even took the day off work to help in the clean-up and I am so grateful for that.''

Mr Ashworth, a former Accrington Stanley footballer, had to abandon his flat at the pub - which is adjacent to the pub, not above, but there were plenty of offers of accommodation.

''At one point I thought I would have to check into a bed and breakfast but I didn't need to. Loads of people rallied round and I was offered a room. I stayed with friends in Saltaire in the end.''

Mr Ashworth, who is originally from Lancashire, praised the sense of community.

''I came to have a look round the pub two years ago and I fell in love with it straightaway. It is a fantastic place.''

Assistant manager Michael Halliday said: ''I remember coming in on Tuesday morning and thinking 'what a disaster'.

''I couldn't believe it but it was fantastic how everyone pulled together, it showed real community spirit.''

The party will take place next Thursday with Mr Ashworth also promising a donation to a nominated charity.