(Image: Supplied)
A flood resilience advocate has helped launch a new children’s book teaching pupils about flood preparedness.
Mary Long-Dhonau OBE, known as "Flood Mary," visited Pocklington Junior School near York on Friday, October 16, to read Missy and Stanley’s Tale during a special assembly.
The story, part of the Defra-funded Blue Heart project, follows a cat and dog as they experience flooding in their home.
Ms Long-Dhonau said: "Helping children to understand flooding and how to prepare is a really important part of building more resilient communities."
The book is designed to introduce primary school children to the concept of flood risk and the practical steps families can take to prepare.
It includes classroom resources to help teachers discuss what happens before and after a flood.
Libby Musgrave, Year 4 teacher and PSHE lead at Pocklington Community Junior School, said: "Stories can help children make sense of subjects that might otherwise feel difficult or unfamiliar.
"Missy and Stanley give us a way to talk about flooding, explore how people might feel and also focus on the practical things families can do to prepare."
The project is part of the £200 million Flood and Coastal Innovation Programmes, managed by the Environment Agency.
Schools can access the resources at www.befloodwarned.uk.