PRINCE Harry met Lancastrian soldiers deployed to flood-ravaged regions which were left devastated by the recent storms to thank them for their efforts in aiding recovery.

He visited Weeton Barracks, where he spoke with personnel from the 2nd Battalion, The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, who on Boxing Day were sent to towns and villages left under water in Lancashire, including Whalley and Ribchester, Yorkshire and Cumbria.

He told them it was “a great opportunity” to meet soldiers who had given up their Christmases to help others, adding: “It’s been an emotional month for you.”

Joyce Holgate, Ribble Valley councillor for Whalley, said: “Lots of people went through a very difficult and traumatic time that may take 12 months to properly recover from. The army made a wonderful effort to help people so they deserve Prince Harry’s attention and respect for their services.”

Terry Hill, Ribble Valley borough councillor for Whalley, said: “It’s really good that he’s come to Lancashire and raised the profile of how much work needs to be done here. I know he got a great reception and the work of the army was very well received during the floods.”

For more than four weeks in December, every member of the battalion, around 500 soldiers from the base near Blackpool, Lancashire, was positioned to help deal with the crisis.

The Prince heard that the troops worked tirelessly as they went from door to door to check on residents and supported the recovery work.

As a county, Lancashire was one of the worst places affected by December’s unprecedented flooding. More than 1,700 businesses and homes were left damaged across its 12 districts.

Lieutenant Peter Coates told the Prince their work had been “challenging”, but added: “It was unexpected – but we just got on with the job.”

Prince Harry asked Corporal Joseph Greenwood what it had been like on the ground of the affected areas, and he described it as a humbling experience.

Cpl Greenwood added: “We might have lost our Christmas but we haven’t lost our homes, possessions and photographs. We can move our Christmas.”

Prince Harry commended their efforts and later joked with officers: “If it’s not raining, it’s not training, as they say,” which is a known saying in the Army.

He had a joke with Kingsman Adam Coar, who’d had told him he had been invited into one family’s house and offered Christmas dinner.

Kingsman Mark Sutton said: “He (Kingsman Coar) told him that when he was in Appleby he got invited in for Christmas dinner. Harry said “It looks like you’ve have had a few too many Christmas dinners!” Kingsman Coar said: “I laughed. I found it funny.”