St Michael's Church and its neighbouring hall were badly flooded on Boxing Day. Photo: Calder Valley SRT

A rescue team’s planned 50th anniversary service has been postponed by nine months due to flood damage to the venue where it was to be held.

Calder Valley Search and Rescue Team was due to hold a gathering at a church in its home town of Mytholmroyd in West Yorkshire.

But the town, and St Michael’s Church and its hall, were inundated during the Boxing Day floods, and the building will be out of action for a considerable time.

The team was heavily involved in rescue operations in Calderdale and further afield as it prepared to enter its 50th anniversary year.

Team spokesman Tim Ingram said: “Looking at the photos, it’s obvious to see that it will be a long process for the church and the community to repair the damage.

“Calder Valley Search and Rescue Team have very strong ties with St Michael’s Church, hence wishing to hold our 50th anniversary celebration gathering there, originally planned for 6 February. However this won’t be possible.

“Having spoken to the Rev Cathy Reardon, we have decided to reschedule our 50th anniversary celebration gathering at the church to Saturday 26 November 2016. We have every faith that the historic building will be restored to its former glory.”

Mr Ingram said the date was still to be confirmed but hoped friends, extended family and supporters would join team members at this event to help them mark their ‘monumental year’.