Keighley Leisure Centre resembled a field hospital as staff coped with the human cost of the floods.

Dozens of families who were rescued from their homes as the River Aire reached its highest levels for half a century were taken to the converted evacuation centre.

By the time it reached its peak, at midday, more than 200 people had been forced to abandon their homes.

And despite the best efforts of council staff and housing association representatives to find temporary accommodation, about 11 families had the prospect of sleeping over in the sports hall last night.

For Jean and Donald Cunningham, whose house in Canal Road, Crossflatts, was flooded out at about 8am, the upheaval was doubly unwelcome.

Mr Cunningham has only just started to recover from a stroke, and the family don't have any insurance to replace anything damaged by the water.

Mrs Cunningham, 63, said: "At about seven o'clock my husband woke us up and told us there was a flood in the back garden.

"We'd only been up for an hour when it started pouring in through the front and side doors, and we'd only just managed to move the TV and video on top of the settee.

"By the time the fire brigade came it was starting to rise, but we managed to paddle out.

"Now we've no idea when we'll get back, it could take three or four days to dry up."

Others evicted from their homes by the rising river had their thoughts on their pets and treasured possessions, they were forced to leave behind.

Maureen Scurtton of Aireworth Close, Keighley, and her friend and neighbour Elaine Storr, of Colenso Grove, were given just 20 minutes notice before their homes were hit by the floods.

Mrs Scurtton, recently widowed, said: "It just happened so quickly. The front room and kitchen flooded and then it began going up the stairs, the place was completely flooded.

"It was so strong it lifted my fridge freezer up and tipped it over, and it was up to the window sills by the time the firemen came and rescued us.

"I just had time to grab a few clothes and I've left a rabbit, Smoky, who's up in the bathroom probably running around right now."

But Mrs Scurtton was full of praise for those who had helped them.

"They've all been marvellous here, making sure we're all right and offering us hot drinks," said 66-year-old Mrs Storr.

"They're very organised and we're very thankful to them and the fire brigade."

Child and teenage evacuees were well catered for, with a separate play area and toys provided for the very young, and a range of videos on show.

A team of medics were on hand as a precaution, meals laid on for everyone by the centre's catering staff and there was even a separate pets area.

Keighley North Councillor Andrew Mallinson was one of those on hand to help co-ordinate the relief work.

He said: "It's still early days because some people haven't realised how bad it is and will try to go back to their homes, so we're expecting things to get busier again when people realise they can't sleep at home."

One couple hit by the rising waters, Albert and Elizabeth Moore, only moved to Keighley a matter of weeks ago, but say it hasn't put them off the area.

Mr Moore, 70, said: "We got a knock on the door at around six or seven from the next door neighbour who told us there had been a flood warning.

"The next thing we knew it was up to around 18 inches in the living room.

"It came up through the floorboards very quickly, and the gas fire's gone, the telly's gone, it was up to three feet when the firemen came."

Despite his material losses, Mr Moore, who weighs 22 stone, still managed a joke.

"They came in and tried to lift me up but I was too heavy," he laughed.

"It took a few of them to get me into the boat eventually."