VOLUNTEERS and the emergency services have been thanked for their efforts during flash flooding which hit Dawlish. 

Town councillors have been working to update the emergency plan and are now hoping to recruit more people to step in to help. 

And a drop in session is being planned at the Manor House for anyone who is interested in getting involved. 

Mayor of Dawlish Cllr Rosie Dawson said: ‘I am proud of all of us as a community.

‘Given the wide scale flooding across the district, we all stood up in our community and really helped to get through it, minimising the risks to people and property. 

‘We have been working on our emergency plan for some time which is a huge document to cover all eventualities and we are working to update it. 

‘We were already planning, within the next few weeks, to set up an appeal for volunteers.’

Anyone who owns a four-by-four vehicle or is fit and able to get sandbags out can help. 

Cllr Dawson added: ‘Anyone who can make tea and coffee, help with communication or are in a position to identify the vulnerable, there are all sorts of roles for people to help during an emergency.

‘We have seen a few of those over the years.

‘We just want to be more prepared and would like your help to do that.

‘We are asking people to get in touch if they help with clearing up or have skills to be able to train others.’

Anyone interested in getting involved and become a community volunteer can go along to the drop in session which is being held in the council chamber at the Manor House today, Thursday October 5, between 5pm and 6pm.

► For more information, email [email protected] or telephone 01626 863388