PEOPLE saved from flooding by the actions of diligent Oxford City Council workers got a chance to say thank-you with some bottles of bubbly.

Many residents in Bullstake Close, off Botley Road, had only just returned to their homes after July's deluge when floods threatened properties in the street again last week.

But 15 council workers built a sandbag barrier and manned flood pumps around the clock to prevent another disaster.

And last night, more than 30 Bullstake Close residents attended an emotional party to toast the team for saving their homes.

Bullstake Close resident Ann Sloper, 69, said: "We were so grateful.

"If it had not been for them we would have been totally flooded out the first day.

"We became friends when they worked here, and it seems funny now that they're not going to be here.

"It was great to have a big opportunity to say thank you.

"It was quite emotional. The party was stacked out and the boys loved the attention. I hope they will stay in touch."

The party, arranged by ward councillor Susanna Pressel, was held in a flat which council workers took over during their three day operation.

Ms Pressel said: "It was a very happy occasion. By saving Bullstake Close the workers not only saved the council the trouble of repairing the damaged properties they also, more importantly, saved 18 households from the trauma of being flooded yet again."

A council spokesman said: "We learned valuable lessons from the July floods and the experience we gained was crucial when it came to dealing with recent events.

"We are extremely proud of all the council staff on the ground who worked tirelessly around the clock."