Turkey and tinsel time at last

Homes in Waverley Street and Cavendish Street were the worst-hit when the River Severn burst its banks between October and January, swamping them with water and sewage.

Many families were forced to leave their homes, while others spent the festivities surrounded by raw sewage.

Tonight they will be tucking into mince pies, Christmas pudding and turkey, pulling crackers and singing carols.

"It will be great," said Mary Dhonau, who has represented the residents throughout the crisis.

"We've turned things on its head.

"Everyone has got to know each other really well and good things have come out of it.

"We couldn't celebrate Christmas like everyone else so we decided to do it when things were a bit better."

Mrs Dhonau's house is now dry, but some of her neighbours have not been so lucky.

One is still living in the upper level and another has had to stop building work because the walls are too wet.

"We can't live through any more floods," said Mrs Dhonau.

"We know that we could flood again before the work is carried out by Severn Trent, but we know that something will be done.

"But the floods meant we had to pull together as a community.

"We're supporting each other, by babysitting or just visiting each other."

Worcester MP Mike Foster has been invited to the Christmas party as a thank you for his help during the three-month long flooding crisis.

"He was the first and only person to visit in the first floods," said Mrs Dhonau.

"He's lobbied for us and helped us go to Downing Street, so we thought we should invite him along."

Mr Foster helped prepare for the party at the Diglis Hotel yesterday.

"The gift they all wanted for Christmas has partially been given," said the Labour MP.

"They've got assurances from Severn Trent that work will be done to prevent future flooding.

"This might appear to be a bit unusual but those were unusual times, I doubt they'll forget this Christmas."