A cat is taken from a flooded house near York

"I don't think their fears will be allayed until such a time as they have seen a flood go by."

He believes enough work has been done in Rawcliffe over the last year to prevent the devastation of last November.

"I have given them my personal guarantee that Rawcliffe won't flood this year.

"I honestly believe with the work that has taken place we have got sufficent protection."

That has seen the flood defences improved and dredging of nearby waterways.

But although it is safer, insurance premiums have gone up in Rawcliffe.

It is the same story in outlying villages also hit by floods last year.

Anniversary fears

Dinah Keal, who is chairwoman of the Derwent Action Group, says it has been "a grim year" for people in the village of Norton and nearby Malton.

"We have had to take up people's cases. They have struggled with insurers.

"They won't insure them or put huge excesses on. We have done what we can. It has been a bit of battle."

She and other villagers were flooded in November 2000 - but for them it was the second time in 18 months.

They have been promised a �5m flood defence system but it has still not got government approval.

Once agreed the defences will take up to a year to put in place.

No champagne

Ms Keal said: "It is still an anxious time for people. I don't think people will be cracking open the champagne yet.

"People are very, very worried."

In York on 4 November, 2000, the River Ouse reached its highest level since records began.

In Barlby, another nearby village badly affected last year, temporary flood defences have been put up.

Sharon Egan, of Barlby Residents' Assocation, said: "I think people are aware there is more to do.

"Some people feel quite anxious coming up to the anniversary.

"Logic says I don't think it will happen again because of what has been put in place but what if it did happen again?."