Uckfield: Floody hero gets MBE

However, Brian Ramsay s work to help elderly neighbours during last autumn s devastating floods this week resulted in him being made an MBE.

The 61-year-old resident manager had no reason to think the night of October 12 would be different to any other. However, as the water level of the nearby River Uck rose, so did his suspicions.

By the time the river burst its banks, Brian was busy ensuring all 50 residents living at Millington Court, Mill Lane were safe and well.

The retirement home, just 20 yards from the river, was badly affected by the floods, with some flats, including Brian s own ground-floor flat, under six feet of water.

Mr Ramsay ushered the residents with an average age of 82 to safety, and for the next three days, worked round the clock to salvage possessions while making sure they were warm and comfortable.

Despite his actions, Brian said he was taken aback by the honour.

He said: 'I think my feelings were disbelief, shock, suprise and, I suppose quietly proud.

'I received news by letter a few weeks ago but had to keep it a secret until now. The only people I could tell were my immediate family.'

Describing his actions during the disaster, which included 72 hours without sleep, Brian said: 'You just go into overdrive really, you don t stop and think. It s just a question of making sure everybody was safe and well you go into auto mode.

'I d been thinking about going to bed around midnight that night. It s just as well I didn t.'

Isfield resident Malcolm Robertson was awarded an MBE for his services to the water industry. Mr Robertson, who has worked in the industry for 38 years,is a production services manager for South East Water.

Colleagues paid tribute to him this week. 'He s the most commited person I know, a real gent and highly respected', said one.

Published: 22.6.01 Sussex Newspapers Ltd