A GANG of lads and lasses took advantage of a day off school - by helping residents affected by this week's floods.

They ended up soaked, weary and dirty but said it was worthwhile trying to protect their community from the worst effects of the rising water.

Pupils were sent home from Darton High school on Monday because of the flood risk. But instead of getting out of the rain and taking it easy the youths came to the aid of villagers in Darton.

They chipped in by filling sandbags and delivering them around the village, especially to elderly residents.

And some of the lads helped bailing out at homes on Church Street as water started pouring in through the back doors. Among them were David Morgan, Scott Chipchase and Edward Plant.

David, of Kexborough, said: "There was an old woman shovelling water out so we thought we would go and help because it did not look right."

Scott said: "We managed to get the water down a couple of inches. We knew it was not us that was going to get flooded but school was shut so we thought we would come down and help.

"It was not nice to see an old woman struggling. My arms are aching so I don't know what she was feeling like."

Pat Jepps' son, Luke, 14, also helped out. She said: "He came home shattered and filthy. They seemed to have enjoyed themselves by helping and I think they were of use."