Families in flood ravaged Stock-bridge began the long process of cleaning up their homes this week.

As some were told they faced a 12 months' wait before returning to their homes a series of appeals were launched -- and a warning issued.

One of the first steps was to set-up dehumidifiers to remove moisture from floors and walls at homes in Worth Avenue and Florist Street.

Bar and Naz Kazmi, whose semi-detached home is just 50 yards from the river Aire, were sorting through their ruined possessions stacked high in their garden.

The couple, who have four children, are living in an hotel in Crossflatts.

Mrs Kazmi said: "Staying in the hotel for one night was fine but it's now getting depressing.

"The children can't see their friends, it's difficult to do their homework -- we just don't feel at home.

"We are now looking for rented accommodation so we can get back to a family life. It could be months before we are back home.

David Burridge, 65, who has lived in Worth Avenue with his wife, Doreen, 65, since 1958, said: "It's heartbreaking to see possessions you have had all you married life destroyed. My wife was in tears when she saw furniture being put into a rubbish wagon and crushed."

The drying out operation began after the Environment Agency announced that the River Aire in Keighley and South Craven had been taken off flood alert as levels continue to fall.

The River Aire, which rose 11ft above normal levels last week, did not flood its banks again.

An appeal for people to donate unwanted furniture to help victims was made by MP Ann Cryer this week.

She says: "Many people were only partially insured and some people have no insurance cover at all.

"It is clear that an appeal for donations of household goods is needed to help these people rebuild their lives."

Keighley Voluntary Services Furniture project has agreed to co-ordinate donations and storage. It is asking for volunteers to help with collection and delivery.

Keighley's Sangat Centre has offered itself as a depot for clothing and furniture donated to flood victims. Around 25-30 Asian families lost property and were evacuated from their homes.

Bradford council says a number of services have been set up to help victims of the flooding.

An advice centre is open at Keighley Leisure Centre, Monday to Friday, from 11am-5pm and over the weekend from 1-4pm.

People who are beginning to clean up can get materials such as disinfectants, brushes and mops from the Stockbridge cleansing department on Royd Ings Avenue between 9am and 4pm.

Keighley social services is also offering a counselling service for anyone feeling distressed by recent events.

It can be reached on 01535 611494 weekdays between 9am and 4pm.

Bradford Council has also pledged £50,000 for people whose homes have been affected. A disaster appeal fund is also being set up.

Lord Mayor of Bradford Cllr Stanley King says: "I appeal to the public to contribute to alleviate the hardship suffered by those whose homes have been flooded."

Northern Spirit says that train services along the Aire Valley are continuing to run from Bradford Forster Square to Skipton, but there is still no direct service to Leeds.

Anyone wanting to travel should contact National rail enquiries on 08457484950.

Two page special floods report along with further details of how you can help

or you can be helped

see pages 14-15