A senior fire officer played a key role in co-ordinating the response to floods in northern England.

John Tiffen, who is based in Lowestoft, is a group commander with special responsibility for Suffolk's flood response.

Fire services across the country co-ordinate with each other to offer expertise when serious flooding hits an area. Mr Tiffen's role was to help co-ordinate the work of flood teams from across the country.

Teams from Cheshire, Merseyside, and other counties were called in – but their work needed co-ordination from senior officers like Mr Tiffen.

He said: 'I went to Cumbria because there were fears that area could be hit by Storm Frank after the two storms before Christmas.

'In the event the storm's worst effects were a bit further north, in Scotland.

'They did not need the help we could bring, so we went to York to help out there.'

Mr Tiffen returned home late on New Year's Eve – 'just in time for a glass of wine with the family!' he said.

However, he did miss a relation's wedding.

Mr Tiffen said: 'In a sense those areas that do get flooded are prepared.

'But this year has seen flooding in areas where it has not happened for many years – and people in those areas are really struggling.'

? Do you know someone who from Lowestoft and Waveney who is helping the north of England flood victims? Tell The Journal by calling 01502 525820 or email lowestoft.journal@archant.co.uk