Emergency services personnel involved in flood relief efforts at Bradford on Avon are to be thanked by the High Sheriff of Wiltshire, William Wyldbore-Smith when he visits on Monday.

The town was severely affected when the River Avon burst its banks on December 23 and 24.

Properties in the town centre and on Bath Road were flooded, and the main road over Town Bridge was impassable for some time.

Mr Wyldbore-Smith asked to meet firefighters from Bradford on Avon and Trowbridge, as well as local police officers, who were on duty over those days, to express his personal thanks for their hard work.

He has already been to Chippenham fire station to thank the specialist water rescue teams based there and he will visit Bradford on Avon fire station on Monday.

He said: “The flooding experienced by so many people across Wiltshire was dreadful, and it was particularly shocking to see the centre of Bradford on Avon cut off.

"I was extremely impressed by the professionalism and dedication shown by the emergency services in what must have been very challenging circumstances, especially given that it was Christmas Eve.

"I am looking forward to meeting with them, finding out more about their work, and being able to thank them for their efforts on behalf of everyone they helped.”

Group manager Dave Jacomb, of Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service, said: “It is very kind of Mr Wyldbore-Smith to want to meet with our firefighters and we look forward to welcoming him to Bradford on Avon fire station.

"I was very proud of how our crews worked during the floods, so it is good to see their efforts recognised by the High Sheriff.”