FIREFIGHTERS have paid tribute to the true British hospitality of residents in a Marlow street after crews moved in for a week to help them battle flooding.

Garnet Court was badly affected by the recent floods which dogged large parts of Marlow and other low lying-areas along the River Thames.

With nearly every house affected by floodwater and residents using their own pumps to help repel the deluge, firefighters came to their rescue by pumping away water from overloaded drains.

Since Thursday, crews from Marlow, High Wycombe and Beaconsfield have taken turns during the constant operation to protect properties.

Residents have rallied together to support the workers, bringing hot drinks to keep them going through the long shifts.

And on Saturday, they even brought out the barbeque to treat hungry firefighters to sausages and burgers as they toiled to keep the area dry.

Richard Boast, Watch Manager at Marlow Fire Station, paid tribute to the people of Garnet Court for their friendship and support.

He said: “On behalf of all the firefighters I’d like to thank all the residents at Garnet Court.

“Virtually 24 hours a day they have been keeping us going by bringing us cups of tea and cakes.

“What we found absolutely amazing is late on Saturday afternoon they fired up a barbeque for us and must have fed three different crews.

“Literally every one of the houses was flooded, and people talk about the British way of doing things and everyone pulling together and getting on with it, and they really have.

“All the Garnet Court residents have been absolutely brilliant. The kids have even been drawing us pictures to take with us back to the fire station.”

With river levels dropping, Bucks Fire and Rescue confirmed that the final crew left the scene at around 1pm today, over five days since they arrived.

A spokesman said if further pumping is required, it will be provided by Transport for Buckinghamshire.

Resident Jeremy Chinn thanked the firefighters for all their hard work.

He tweeted: “Sad to see you go. Will sort a BBQ later in 2014 so all the boys can share a beer with us this time! Thanks again for everything.”