Morrisons' chief hails efforts of staff to help out after storm damage

He said trading was hit at its Keighley store, which had to close, and its Kirkstall store where the car park was flooded.

“Overall, it put a lot of stress on our people and our customers,” said Mr Potts.

“In places like York the whole city seemed to be under siege.

“It brought its challenges but we were able to provide our cafes and our facilities and we donated £100,000 to the five most affected communities.”

The money was given to flood appeals in Yorkshire, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Scotland and Cumbria to spend on clean-up costs, emergency repairs and emergency supplies of clothing and food and drink.

“I would like to thank our colleagues for their very hard work and dedication, both in serving customers so well over the busy Christmas period and then again in helping their communities, especially in the north of Britain where the flooding has been so severe,” said Mr Potts.

Much of the money was used to help families stranded by the flooding.

At the time, Mr Potts said: “We have seen the terrible impact that the floods have had on communities that we serve and we want to do our bit to help. This money will help to start the clean-up process.”