A YOUNG South Lakeland man has been recognised for going out of his way to help his community during Storm Desmond.

Hayden Sorrenson, 22, from Burneside, was commemorated for his selfless actions with a Dapper Dick award.

During the December floods Mr Sorrenson helped his community by placing sandbags outside houses, pulling a BMW out of the river and freeing a stuck car with his Land Rover.

He also helped a local shop which suffers flooding at every rainfall and rescued the dogs the shopkeeper was looking after at the time.

Even though the history behind the Dapper Dick award seems to be lost in time, the name is assumed to have originated from the first lord of the Burneside Hall.

The award came as a ‘complete surprise’ for Mr Sorrenson, who was also involved in helping his community in the 2009 floods.

Mr Sorrenson, who works as a gardener at Windermere School, said: “It was a surprise when I got awarded. It’s quite a rare award and what’s interesting is that Burneside Hall was the first farm where I worked.

"Someone rung me up and said that I needed to go to the parish council meeting in Burneside and sign a petition, which had something to do with floods. When I got there I was given the award instead.”

The award was handed to Mr Sorrenson by David Ginsberg, chairman of Burneside Parish Council.

Councillor Ginsberg said: "Hayden Sorenson worked tirelessly on the night of Storm Desmond helping to bring relief to those affected by the floods. The award is richly deserved.

“A mention must also go to Councillor Derrick Wade who was also working with Hayden on that terrible night.”

The award has received a warm response from the community, with people approaching Mr Sorrenson on social media to congratulate him.

“It's great when a small community can come together and help one another as there's not much of that anymore, but Kendal seems to be very good at being one massive team and becoming like a family at times of need," he said.

“I appreciate all the thanks I have received, and will carry on helping this community whenever and wherever I need to.”