COUNCIL bosses will still have to find £37,000 to pay for flooding damage, despite receiving a grant from the Government.

Hambleton District Council learned this week it would receive £120,000 towards the cost of repairs after freak storms hit the county in June.

Senior officials have welcomed the extra money, but they say the authority will still have to pay the remainder of the £157,000 repair bill.

Peter Simpson, the council's chief executive, said: "Whilst we are obviously pleased that we are to receive £120,000 for the cost of these floods, there is still a cost to us.

"Our budgets must take into account the need to pay for any future emergencies.

"These changes come at a time when the authority is already trying to balance its books following the capping order from central government.

"But an emergency is an emergency and they will be treated as a priority."

The Government money will come from the Bellwin fund, a scheme which helps local authorities deal with large-scale disasters.

Hambleton has to pay the first £15,000 of the claim, as well as 15 per cent of the remaining total.

Flash floods hit the county on June 19 after a month's rainfall fell in an hour.

Helmsley, Hawnby and villages to the east of Thirsk bore the brunt of the flood waters, with houses damaged, roads, bridges and footpaths washed away and many people having to be airlifted to safety.

North Yorkshire County Council and Ryedale District Council will also receive money from the Bellwin fund.

However, the North York Moors National Park Authority will not get any financial support, despite facing a bill of £619,000 to fix bridges, clear debris and replace fencing.