South Cumbria Coastguard

Whether it was care workers, firefighters, coastguard teams, or the public, everyone has pulled together and done a fantastic job."

Talking about the floods he said: “I have never seen anything like it. When we pulled up at Whitewater I could not believe where the water was. I feel for the people whose homes have been flooded just before Christmas.”

Kev praised all the teams who worked during the flooding, including Millom and Whitehaven Coastguard teams who rescued people in Cockermouth.

He said: “I think the people behind the scenes coordinating the operation, such as those at the fire service and coastguard headquarters, they all deserve praise.”

Kevin was invited to the event by Labour’s prospective parliamentary candidate for Barrow and Furness, John Woodcock, who had read about the team’s efforts.

He said: “I saw that the work that the coastguard did got so many nominations for the fact that they were out there immediately helping people in obviously horrendous conditions, they managed to spread themselves right across the area.

“When I contacted the coastguard, the station officer singled out the work that Kevin had done to be able to come down and meet the Prime Minister. It’s brilliant that those people, and Kevin specifically could get recognition.”

Speaking about the reception Kevin said “It was really good. It didn’t feel real when I was in there. I don’t think I’ve ever been made to feel so welcome. There were so many people who were so passionate about what they do. Gordon Brown said he was a big admirer of the coastguard and a lot of people thanked us for what we do. I’m really chuffed and really honoured to have been able to come down here to represent the coastguard and represent the people of Cumbria who all gelled together in the hour of need when basically the county was thrown into disruption. It’s really a great honour.