As Storm Arwen battered the nation and the county, we were reminded of a similarly devastating storm for Cumbria, Storm Desmond, for this reason, we decided to take a look back at the Spirit of Cumbria Awards in 2016, which recognised those who helped out in the storm.

Storm Desmond was a disaster nobody in Cumbria will ever forget, bringing unprecedented floods that left homes and businesses underwater, and roads and bridges destroyed.

CN Group’s Spirit of Cumbria Awards 2016 recognised the county’s flood heroes – those who went above and beyond to help their neighbours, communities and often complete strangers.

It was a chance to say thank you to all those who helped and give special recognition to 14 winners, selected from more than 250 nominations.

The ceremony also recognised emergency service workers – including police officers, firefighters, mountain rescue, lifeboat workers and military personnel – who went above and beyond the call of duty, and paid tribute to council workers and others who worked around the clock to get the county back on its feet as quickly as possible.

As Storm Desmond struck, the response was simply overwhelming.

Even as Cumbria was deluged, people refused to be defeated.

As waters rapidly rose on an unprecedented scale, so did the county’s determination not to be beaten and to ensure those in need of help got it – and quickly.

There were heroics that saw people join emergency services to ensure that friends, neighbours and strangers were rescued from their flood-hit homes.

And then there was the outpouring of kindness from those who opened their own doors to take in those who had no homes of their own, volunteered in reception centres, organised collections and backed Cumbria Community Foundation’s multi-million pound flood appeal.

They were actions that drew admiration from around the world, becoming known as the Spirit of Cumbria.

Enhancing that swell of support was the #SpiritofCumbria campaign spearheaded by the News & Star, along with its sister CN Group newspapers and websites.

It helped draw in cash support for the flood appeal, as well as bringing together offers of help, requests for assistance, messages of support, that reflected the community spirit.