HOTEL staff who found themselves marooned during Storm Desmond "went beyond the call of duty" as they battled to keep guests safe.

Kendal's Riverside Hotel, on the bank of the River Kent, was completely cut off by rising floodwaters on Saturday, December 5 last year.

Despite no electricity or phones, flooded bedrooms, lift shaft and car park, and a leaking roof, general manager Jenn Halhead and her team kept spirits high, and they have been praised as Flood Heroes.

"After the flood waters burst in through the toilets, Jenn found herself waist-high in sewage but she battled on through the night, helping the hotel's residents and stranded locals," said hotelier Jonathan Denby, managing director of South Lakes Hotels. "Her efforts were heroic and I’m very proud of her and her team."

Jenn's Saturday shift lengthened into an epic four days and three nights, and she finally returned home on the Tuesday.

"We all pitched in and went above and beyond the call of duty," Jenn told the Gazette. "I am extremely proud of all our staff at the Riverside. I just see myself as doing my job, and doing what needed to be done, to ensure all guests and staff were kept safe."

Community spirit was high as the Riverside opened its doors to neighbours for hot showers, served cups of tea to firefighters and sheltered its stranded staff overnight. Jenn set up camp in Reception, where she stayed up all night by candlelight.

"At some point I noticed a man swimming through the water," said Jenn. "He was a little drunk. I invited him in and gave him a bed for the night. At about 3am, it was safe to say it was finally going down. After a long night, it was time to serve breakfast. The staff did an amazing job to make this happen on one gas hob. All the guests were in excellent moods, which made the day."

Jenn added: "Sunday was a day full of providing local residents with a nice warm shower and a cup of tea. As a community we all pulled together. We also helped the church out when they lost power so they could continue helping local residents."

* To nominate your Flood Heroes email mike.addison@kendal.newsquest.co.uk