A GROUP of men have been recognised with awards after their efforts during a severe flooding incident in which a woman died.

West Midlands Search and Rescue were called out to help during Storm Dennis in 2020, which saw dramatic floods around the region.

Now, two men from Herefordshire and their team mates from Worcestershire and Shropshire have been recognised for their heroic actions with Lowland Rescue National Awards.

Nick James-Williams and Yon Saunders from Herefordshire were among those to be praised for their handling of an incident in Tenbury Wells. 

The mission involved recovering the body of 55-year-old Yvonne Booth, who tragically died in the floods after being reported missing.

Describing the efforts of the search and rescue team, Mr James-Williams said: "The team discussed the tasking and an opportunity was given to all crew if they wished to stand down due to the nature of the tasking being out of the norm and a lot more hazardous. 

"It was apparent that the flow had to be navigated at high speed to be able to make headway. Crew members provided forward observation and warning signals while helms navigated through turbulent conditions, fallen trees, low lying overhanging trees and loose fencing. It was very apparent that this was a testing situation.

"Both boats were aware that they were in the public eye. Multiple people and film crews were on the road 500 metres away. Within a few minutes of starting a media helicopter started flying above the boats with a camera. At this point the pressure was felt by all. Thankfully the media helicopter moved on and the team extracted the body. Once the body was secured in the boat, both teams returned to back down the river."

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Mr James-Williams described his winning of a Lowland Rescue National Awards as a "proud moment".

He said: "This was a highly intense and stressful tasking and required all crew to show composure and grit. I reflect on that recovery with much pride and respect.

"I wish this recovery to be recognised as a proud moment for the team, above and beyond the work we do due to the conditions we faced. We were able to support a family to get closure and prevented further people being out at risk to recover the body."