The flooding on New Year's Day brought out the best in Poynton's community spirit.

Towns and villages across the North West were devastated by flooding on Wednesday, January 1, following a night of heavy rainfall.

In Poynton, residents who had seen appeals for help online were quick to lend a hand as councillors and town council staff gave practical support, such as providing emergency flood defences.

Meanwhile, Hickory's Smokehouse on London Road offered hot drinks as Helen White Kershaw gave out bacon butties to keep volunteers warm and motivated.

Mayor of Poynton, councillor Hayley Whitaker, said: "Getting my waterproofs and wellies on was not at all how I expected to spend New Year's Day.

"Poynton was just one town in the North West hit by the New Year deluges and I'd like to say a sincere thank you to all who joined in to help save Poynton houses from major flooding.

"The community spirit demonstrated on New Year's Day is something I will never forget.

"I could not be more grateful to be Mayor for such a caring place. It is such a privilege."

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Councillor Hayley Whitaker and Poynton Town Council staff join the team (Credit: Hayley Whitaker)

Ahead of the New Year the Environment Agency issued a flood warning for Poynton Brook at Wigwam Wood and Armcon Business Park.

This came alongside a yellow weather warning from the Met Office for rain.

While both of these warnings have now expired.

However, a yellow weather warning for snow and ice covering almost the entirety of England is set to come into effect at midday on Saturday, January 4.

The Met Office website reads: "Outbreaks of rain spreading progressively northeastwards later on Saturday and overnight into Sunday will likely be preceded by a spell of snow on its northern flank.

"Whilst there is some uncertainty, any snow in southern and eastern parts of England, especially at low levels, will probably be rather transient before turning back to rain.

"However, some significant accumulations of snow are possible across parts of Wales, the Midlands and northern England in particular, at least for a time, where 5 cm or more could accumulate fairly widely, with perhaps as much as 20-30 cm over high ground of mid and north Wales and potentially 30-40 cm over parts of the Pennines.

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"This, accompanied by strengthening winds, may lead to drifting of lying snow.

"In addition, as milder air moves northwards, snow may turn to a spell of freezing rain for a time, again more especially across parts of Wales, the Midlands and northern England, adding to the risk of ice and leading to some treacherous conditions in places.

"A fairly rapid thaw of lying snow is possible later on Sunday, although exactly how far north the rapid thaw will reach remains uncertain at this stage."