PEOPLE are rallying around to aid the town's new homeless. Emergency aid is sought after the forecast was made it could be up to a year before Stockbridge residents can return to their homes.

Cllr Andrew Mallinson says: "A lot of the housing we've got is not in a liveable condition, then there are empty houses for people to get into but no furniture. A lot of work needs to be done with other agencies including the Environment Agency, social services and charities."

But goodwill is already spreading with a call for Keighley churches to raise cash aid.

Patricia Stewart, of Park Grove, has called for an appeal after talking to friends washed out by the flood.

"They are devastated and some don't have insurance or anything," she says.

Keighley Churches Together secretary Margaret Flawn says: "I feel it's something we need to get involved in.

"We've got a meeting on Monday night and will be talking about how we can do this."

Fatima Shah, of the Stockbridge Community Association, is also keen to see the Asian community involved. I've contacted quite a few people," she says, "And I saw one lady whose children haven't got any shoes.

"It's a big disaster, not a little thing. We need immediate funding for people to be able to live a normal life."