A shop boss who stayed on in his store for more than a day after it was hit by December's disastrous flooding has landed a top award.

Ian Peacock went on to set up a portable pop-up shop when his Co-op branch was swamped by Storm Desmond.

The 32-year-old store manager at the firm's shop in Appleby was hailed by judges at the Retail Industry Awards as an "outstanding and brilliant manager".

They said he "prioritised the community" and went above and beyond the call of duty.

The store, on The Sands, become submerged in 5ft of water after the river Eden burst its banks.

After saving as much stock as possible, Ian sent his team home for their own safety.

But he chose to stay on himself, asking emergency services to rescue members of the community first.

The pop-up shop provided essentials such as milk, bread and tea for more than three months.

Ian also found a refrigerated van so he could drop off groceries.

The Co-op’s divisional managing director, John McNeill, said: “We don’t always measure success in pounds and profits.

"Contribution to the community and a pioneering spirit are two very worthy markers of a great store manager and they don’t come much better than Ian.

“Storm Desmond hit Appleby hard.

"But his positive attitude saw him swing into action, setting up a pop-up shop, arranging shuttle buses and rallying the community to help those in need.

"We are very proud of Ian and thankful for all he has done and continues to do."

The awards, which took place at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London, are dubbed the ‘Oscars’ of the retail world.