WE would just like to say a very big thank you to all the firemen who attended the floods in Lakeside Avenue in the early hours of Christmas Eve, they were absolutely marvellous.

Our ages are 96 and 89, and they rescued us from our beds and carried us up to a very kind friend's house a few doors away.

We have been with her ever since then – she has been wonderful. The firemen called a paramedic as they were concerned about us.

Thank you to all the neighbours and friends who came and helped us as much as they could.

We also want to say a massive thank you to Gordon Blake, who was as upset as we were, and who visited and supported us, and is helping us in every way possible.

At the time of writing, we have had no-one from the council to see us and – despite the very wet weather – no sandbags.

Other residents who were also flooded have been doing their best to approach the council for help.

Friends also helped with the enormous amount of washing that had to be done.

Our bungalow completely flooded right through. We have been married for 67 years and we never thought for a moment that we would be homeless at this time in our lives, with most of our possessions washed away.

We are moving now to a flat. We are hoping and praying that the remedial work will be carried out before we return to our bungalow.

Many tears have been shed, and many times we have felt utterly helpless. We are very grateful for all the support and help we have been given.

We are pleading on behalf of all the residents in Lakeside Avenue for this work to be done so that we won't have to suffer like this again.

– Doreen and Angus Cooper, Lydney.