Kath and Paul Ashforth, pictured far right, with their family

Among them were Kath and Paul Ashforth, whose house on Sheffield's Winn Gardens was badly damaged by the deluge.

The estate was one of the worst-hit areas in Sheffield with about 200 residents having to be evacuated.

Six months on, the Ashforths were determined to finish the clean-up operation in time for Christmas.

But being back home has not lifted the emotional and mental strain of the flood nightmare.

'Exhausted and drained'

Mrs Ashforth, 50, said: "Our house was a complete mess. The entire downstairs was flooded and there was sludge everywhere.

"Paul has done a lot of the work himself in the house because we were so determined to get back in for Christmas. He's worked every hour of the day for the last couple of months.

Much of Sheffield was badly hit by floodwater

"The intention was to get back in for Christmas but to be honest we feel so exhausted and drained from the whole nightmare that it's difficult to get the energy to celebrate.

"I've bought presents and decorations but it won't feel the same this year after what we've been through."

Many of Mrs Ashforth's neighbours are not as fortunate and will spend Christmas in caravans, as will many of the city's other residents.

Sheffield City Council said about 170 people were expected to spend the festive period in temporary accommodation, with many families in Doncaster, Barnsley and Rotherham also displaced from their homes.

Mrs Ashforth said: "We're the only ones in a block of seven on our estate who are home.

"It's a terrible time for all those who are still suffering."