THE ARMY was called in to shore up defences in Ilkley amid fears of major flooding in the town at the weekend.

Soldiers from Catterick deployed on Saturday ahead of Storm Dennis to help contractors erected temporary flood barriers and lay sandbags.

In Ilkley they plugged gaps in defences and succeeded in mitigating the worst of the flooding. By mid afternoon on Sunday, most flood warnings had been lifted.

The area was geared up for a second weekend of flooding in the wake of Storm Ciara. Soldiers were deployed on Denton Road to help shore up areas where it was feared the River Wharfe would find its way over.

Amber warnings for rain issued by the Met Offic and advanced flood warnings from the Environment Agency prompted Bradford Council to set up an emergency centre at the King’s Hall in Ilkley. A performance of The Traveling Wilburys Songbook was re-arranged for April 10 to allow the venue to be used to help people affected by the storm.