A photo of a radiographer at Harrogate District Hospital, accompanied by a message urging people to follow lockdown rules and get vaccinated, has gone viral.

Dr Jon Sharpe, a consultant musculoskeletal radiologist, posted the simple but powerful image of radiographer Jo Huddart on his Facebook page on Saturday.

Since then it has received 13,000 shares, 12,000 reactions and 1,800 comments.

Annie Garlick took the image of fellow radiographer Jo Huddart on Ms Huddart’s phone.

Dr Sharpe’s post says the NHS faces its toughest fortnight in history and then explains the extraordinary lengths these “unsung heroes” go to daily.

Every patient with covid or suspected covid meets a radiographer for scans so they are on the front line, at significant personal risk. He adds:

“They wear PPE that is hot and uncomfortable for most of their shift. They do this day after day, shift after shift. Twenty four hours a day.

“Some of them have been doing this job for decades. Some of them are fresh out of university. I doubt any of them ever thought radiography would look like this.

“They are unsung heroes and I am immensely proud of each and every one of my colleagues.

“The clapping was nice, the odd free pizza was appreciated and the pictures of rainbows that children drew for us made us smile – but all we ask of you now is this:

“Please stay at home. Please follow the rules and please, please – get vaccinated when you are offered an appointment.”

‘Superb outcome’

Dr Sharpe told the Stray Ferret he only expected the post to be of passing interest to friends but he was pleased it had raised awareness of the value of radiographers. He added:

“If even just one more person elects to receive the vaccine because of this then it will have been a superb outcome.”

Read more:

• Two further covid deaths at Harrogate District Hospital
• Harrogate district reports 79 further coronavirus cases

Asked why the post had been shared so many times, he said it was due to a combination of factors:

“Jo is wearing so much PPE that even though I’ve worked with her daily for the last 9 years, she’s not instantly recognisable — the fact that my colleagues are having to go to such lengths just to be able to perform their daily duties with a modicum of safety is immensely sobering.

“The inclusion of the CT scanner, prepped and ready to receive the next patient also increased the impact of the image, minutes after this image was taken another patient would have been lying on the scanner prior to their examination.

“The picture of Jo and the scanner ready for the next patient emphasised the fact that this is not a unique situation, but just part of the daily work of the radiography staff — there will be another patient going on that scanner shortly.

“Maybe if people stayed at home and accepted the vaccine then that patient won’t be them or somebody they care about.”

Western Primary School in Harrogate has secured a second speed sign as part of its ongoing campaign to improve road safety.

Headteacher Tim Broad has spoken of his fears a child could be killed crossing the busy Cold Bath Road outside the 500-pupil school.

A long-running campaign with parents bore fruit last month when funding was secured for a vehicle-activated sign that notifies drivers of their speed in the 20 miles per hour zone.

Now a second sign means traffic in both directions will be monitored — although as the signs are classed as temporary, they need to be rotated occasionally to meet this bureaucratic requirement.

John Mann, who represents Harrogate central on North Yorkshire County Council, has funded both signs from his locality budget, which councillors are allocated to spend on local issues. Each sign costs £3,200 plus VAT.

Read more:

• Speed sign to be installed outside Western Primary School
• Masham primary school with just six pupils set to close

Mr Broad said he was “delighted” the school would receive two signs but added the campaign would go on. He said:

“This will make a huge difference to the safety of our pupils and I am grateful to Councillor Mann for the additional funding which has made this possible.

“Whilst this is a very positive step, I still have significant concerns about the sheer volume of traffic, of all shapes and sizes, which uses Cold Bath Road each day, producing significant pollution which makes its way into our classrooms.

“My long term aim is to work with residents, businesses and the local council to see what steps might be taken to address this additional concern.”

Councillor Mann did not respond to inquiries from the Stray Ferret.

Flood warnings and alerts are in place throughout the Harrogate district tonight after another day of persistent rain from Storm Christoph.

With a Met Office amber rain warning in place tonight, many low-lying areas are in danger. Some land and roads have already flooded.

Here’s a look at how today unfolded.

You can check flood warnings near you on the government’s flood information service website, which is maintained by the Environment Agency. Click here.

9.12pm – ‘Flooding of property, roads and land in Knaresborough is possible’

The updated Environment Agency flood warning for the River Nidd at Knaresborough caravan park and Goldsborough Mill farm makes sombre reading.

It says Knaresborough caravan park is the area most at risk.

Flooding is also ‘expected’ at Roecliffe caravan park and Milby Island near Boroughbridge on the Ure, according to further updates this evening.

We will sign off now but will be back early tomorrow with more flood updates. Please send any flood photos or news to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

8.33pm – Environment Agency issues new flood alert and warning

The Environment Agency has activated a new flood alert and new flood warming this evening.

The alert is for the Lower Dunsforth Access near Boroughbridge, and says:

“The current level at Boroughbridge is 14.8m and levels are forecast to peak this evening. Further heavy rain is expected until Thursday and we expect river levels to rise accordingly. Areas most at risk are low lying land and roads. Please avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses and do not drive through flood water.”

The more severe flood warning is for the River Ure at Aldwark Bridge to Cuddy Shaw, on the fringes of the district. The alert says ‘flooding of property, roads and farmland is expected tonight’ and homes in Aldwark Bridge were most at risk.

8.11pm – Pateley Bridge feels the impact

Sinead Cregan took these photos of Pateley Bridge today. The Nidderdale town often bears the brunt of high water on the upper Nidd and further flooding of roads and farmland is expected, according to a flood warning that is currently in place.

6.58pm – Amber rain warning tonight

There is still a way to go before the wet weather relents and indeed conditions could worsen tonight and tomorrow as rain continues to fall on saturated land.

The Met Office has an amber warning in place for the Harrogate area until 6am tomorrow, which says there is a ‘good chance’ of some places being cut off, as well as power cuts.

5.45pm – Gritters out as wintry showers threaten high ground

Although flooding is the primary concern tonight, North Yorkshire County Council has said it will be gritting main routes in areas that may see some wintry showers.

We'll be #gritting some priority roads, particularly on higher routes, in parts of #NorthYorkshire overnight.

There's a chance of wintry showers, to high routes in particular, with road temperatures close to or below zero with an ice risk.

Read more ⬇️https://t.co/6cnhGrxFu6 pic.twitter.com/E7CoDn5zWB

— North Yorkshire Council (@northyorksc) January 20, 2021

5.05pm – Nidderdale Lodge Park on watchlist as river levels rise

Residents on the Nidderdale Lodge Park will be watching water levels closely overnight as the River Nidd continues to rise.

One of the residents has said it is currently at around 1.4m and says if it reaches 2m some residents may have to evacuate. She said it doesn’t look like it will reach 2m but the town’s response group is ready to step in to help if it does.

4.50pm – Motorists warned not to drive through floodwater.

https://twitter.com/NorthYorksFire/status/1351934965945139202

3.15pm – Fire services quiet so far

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service is usually busy during bad weather but today’s rain hasn’t caused too many problems — so far.

Thankfully we've attended very few flooding related incidents so far today.

Please do keep following the advice, only travel if you really need to, check details of road closures and don't be tempted to drive through flood water- find another route.

— North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service (@NorthYorksFire) January 20, 2021

3.17pm – 21 bus route affected by flooding

Unfortunately, due to flooding the 21 is unable to reach stops Coneythorpe, The Old Barn and Moor Farm in both directions.

The nearest stops are Arkendale and Flaxby

We will let you know once we're back to normal pic.twitter.com/vyKsmijMIj

— The Harrogate Bus Company (@harrogatebus) January 20, 2021

3.06pm – Fog on A59 at Blubberhouses

Lots of flood warnings and alerts in place, with people holding their breath that the situation doesn’t deteriorate before the storm passes tomorrow. To add to the weather issues, Julie Benson has warned of fog on the A59 between Blubberhouses and Bolton Abbey.

https://twitter.com/JB10MILLION/status/1351901290562023425?s=20

2.05pm – Environment Agency on site in Boroughbridge

The Environment Agency and Boroughbridge Emergency Response Team are keeping a close eye on the River Ure as water levels continue to rise.

Water levels are already close to those forecasted for tonight so both teams will be monitoring the river closely.

Water levels rise beneath the main bridge in Boroughbridge. Photograph: Peter Phillips

1.05pm – Knaresborough caravan park preparing for heavy rain

The Stray Ferret has been told the Nidderdale Lodge Park, in Knaresborough, hasn’t flooded yet but with heavy rain forecast for the rest of the afternoon the town’s flood response team is keeping an eye on the area.

A flood warning is currently in place for the River Nidd by the Knaresborough caravan park.

12.27am – 10 flood alerts and warnings currently in place in Harrogate district

There are currently five alerts and five warnings. Warnings are more severe. Warnings are in place for:

River Ure at Milby Island

River Ure at Roecliffe caravan park

River Nidd at Low Laithe

River Nidd at Knaresborough caravan parks and Goldsborough Mill farm

River Nidd at Hunsingore

Alerts are in place for:

Lower River Ure

Upper Nidd catchment area

Middle Nidd catchment area

Lower Nidd catchment area

River Crimple catchment

11.45am – River Ure at Milby Island expected to flood property and roads

The warning, issued this morning, says the level of the Ure is forecast to peak late evening at about 14.7m to 14.9m,

“Consequently, flooding of property, roads and farmland is expected today. Areas most at risk are properties on Milby Island.

“Avoid walking or driving through flood water.”

11.35am – Boroughbridge emergency response team “prepared”

The Boroughbridge emergency response team, headed by local resident Pauline Phillips, are ready to take action if water levels in the River Ouse rise. The team says at 15 metres it comes on to the road, it is currently at 14.7m.

The team wanted to assure residents it has plans in place if the river does breach its bank. Yorkshire Water is also monitoring the town’s car park which has previously flooded after underground pipes burst.

She added:

“We are prepared to respond if the town does flood but of course we hope we aren’t needed”.

11.20am – Flooded fields near River Ure

The River Ure has burst its banks near North Bridge. Currently, there are no reports of properties being flooded.

The rising waters of the River Ure are reported to be close to the Yorkshire Water waste pumping station located at Sharow on the Dishforth Road at Ripon.

Flooded fields near Ure Bank Top.

10.50am – Rainfall levels expected to peak tomorrow

10.15am – Nidd and Ure burst banks

Images of flooded fields are beginning to appear as the extent of the overnight rain on saturated land becomes apparent.

Julie Benson took these photos of the Nidd at Ripley and Ure at Ripon.

The Nidd at Ripley… Fields are full @northyorkswx pic.twitter.com/xZK1sTAIgG

— JB (@JB10MILLION) January 20, 2021

The Ure at Ripon…. Burst banks… Sorry about the pic quality… All taken as a passenger @northyorkswx pic.twitter.com/72FWlUTbBc

— JB (@JB10MILLION) January 20, 2021

Alex Smith took this image of flooding in Cattal, close to the site of a proposed new 3,000 home settlement.

Nine flood alerts and warnings are in force this morning across the Harrogate district as persistent rain causes river levels to rise to dangerous levels.

Notorious flooding location Knaresborough caravan park and Goldsborough mill farm were put on the more severe ‘warning’ level during the night.

The warning says “flooding of property, roads and land in Knaresborough is possible today” as Nidd river levels are expected to continue to rise. It adds:

“Areas most at risk are riverside land at Knaresborough caravan park. Please activate any property flood protection products you may have, such as flood barriers and air brick covers, and stay away from fast moving water.”

Roecliffe caravan park, near Boroughbridge, is identified as the most vulnerable location in an overnight warning for the River Ure, which says:

“Flooding of property/roads and farmland is expected imminently. Please put your flood plan into action, and plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded and stay away from fast moving water.”

Ure near Ripon

An alert was put in place for the lower Ure, just east of Ripon city centre, overnight. An update just before 4am this morning says:

“Flooding of low-lying land and roads is possible today,”

An alert was also activated overnight for the River Crimple, near Follifoot, and its tributaries including Horn Beck, Clark Beck, Hookstone Beck, Rud Beck, Toad Hole Beck and Park Beck.

It warns flooding of low-lying land and roads is possible.

Nidd risk

There is widespread risk along the River Nidd.

Alerts were issued yesterday afternoon for the river just above and below Pateley Bridge. Last night a warning was put in place for around Hunsingsore and Cattal.

Alerts for the lower and middle catchment areas of the Nidd also remain in force.

More heavy rain is expected today and tomorrow morning.

If you are affected by flooding, contact us at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk

New flood alerts this evening on River Nidd near Harrogate

Two fresh flood alerts have been issued for the River Nidd this evening.

It means there are now three flood alerts and one more serious flood warning in force for the Harrogate district, with further rainfall expected.

The Environment Agency issued an alert for the middle Nidd catchment at 6.47pm tonight, affecting land around the river and tributaries including Thornton Beck, Newton Beck, Oak Beck, Cow Dyke Beck, Bilton Beck, Frogmire Dike and Syke Dike.

Minutes later at 6.54pm another flood warning was issued for the lower Nidd catchment, affecting land around the river and its tributaries including Sand Beck, Sike Beck, Pool Beck and Great Gutter. The alerts said:

“Flooding of low-lying land and roads is possible today, Tuesday.

“The river has risen in response to recent rainfall, and with persistent and heavy rain forecast to continue through until Thursday we expect river levels to remain high and could rise further.

“Please avoid low-lying land and footpaths near local watercourses.”

A flood warning for the Nidd at Low Laithe between Dacre Banks and Glasshouses was issued this afternoon.

It remains active, as does a flood alert for for the upper Nidd around Wath and Lofthouse, just north of Pateley Bridge.

If flooding affects your area please let us know at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk

Read more:

• Flood warning issued for River Nidd near Pateley Bridge
• £2.5 million project to prevent flooding at Fountains Abbey

The government’s flood information service has issued a flood warning for the River Nidd just south of Pateley Bridge.

The warning, which was issued shortly before 4pm, says flooding is expected at Low Laithe between Dacre Banks and Glasshouses.

It adds roads and farmland are expected to flood and immediate action is required:

“Levels on the River Nidd are rising at Pateley Bridge. Please be aware that persistent and heavy rain is forecast until Thursday. Please avoid walking or driving through flood water.”

Two hours earlier the flood information service issued a less severe flood alert for the Upper Nidd around Wath and Lofthouse, just north of Pateley Bridge.

The Upper Nidd alert says:

“Areas most at risk are low lying land and roads.

“Please avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses and do not walk or drive through flood water.”

Read more:

• Flood alerts issued as heavy rain forecast for Harrogate district
• £2.5 million project to prevent flooding at Fountains Abbey

Storm Christoph is beginning to saturate the Harrogate district and beyond.

Five flood warnings and 30 flood alerts are effective in North Yorkshire, where rain is expected to fall until midday Thursday.

More than two inches of rain are forecast to fall in some northern areas over the next 48 hours as Storm Christoph arrives.

An amber warning for rain became active at 6am this morning and is due to be in force until 12pm on Thursday.

The Met Office has warned people in Yorkshire and the Humber, the North West, East Midlands and the east of England to expect heavy rain and potential floods.

The west of the district is expected to be worse affected. A less severe yellow warning is active for the east of the district.

Heavy rainfall combined with some snowmelt across the hills is likely to cause flooding.

The amber warning says homes and businesses could be flooded and fast flowing and deep water could cause danger to life.

Some communities could be cut off and power cuts are also possible.

Read more:

• Appeal for patience as council refills grit bins
• Flood alerts issued as heavy rain forecast for Harrogate district

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Andrew Jones has spoken of his “shock” at the inadequacy of free school meals and called for urgent action.

A constituent in Knaresborough told Mr Jones she had received two pre-packed sandwiches, two mini yoghurts, an apple, an orange and two potatoes to feed her son for five days.

The Conservative MP said on his website this “simply isn’t good enough” and that he would ask children’s minister, Vicky Ford to investigate the issue “as a matter of urgency”. He added:

“There are reports that the companies distributing this food have been paid £30 for a week’s food but you could buy what my constituent received for a few pounds. Fortunately my constituent can manage this week but that isn’t the point.

“Surely it would have been better and cheaper to give parents a loaf of bread and the ingredients to make their own sandwiches rather than send supermarket pre-packs? It would have been more nutritious too.

“What has been sent seems to me to be completely inadequate. Whichever companies are being used to supply the meals need to buck their ideas up and do it pronto.”

Mr Jones voted against free school meals last year and his comments have drawn criticism from political opponents.

Read more:

• Andrew Jones MP criticised for lockdown U-turn
• ‘Show patience’ on covid turnaround, says Andrew Jones MP

Harrogate and Knaresborough Liberal Democrats tweeted:

“We were shocked that he voted against giving free meals to low income kids in the first place.”

Harrogate and Knaresborough Labour Party tweeted:

“Ten days worth of food costing £30! Cronyism in all its glory, profiteering from poverty and neglecting the very children that need to receive healthy, substantial food! Let’s hear our MP justify this!”

A man has died after an incident at a building site in Ripon.

North Yorkshire Police issued a brief statement this afternoon confirming the news. It said:

“Police were called to a report of an industrial incident in Ripon at about 10.30am on Wednesday.

“A man was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. Enquiries are ongoing jointly with the Health and Safety Executive.”

A member of the public contacted the Stray Ferret on Wednesday saying Harrogate Road in Ripon was closed and a large number of police, fire engines and ambulances were in attendance.

The police initially declined to reveal any information but today confirmed a man, who has not been named, had died.

No further details about the incident have been released.

Read more:

• No suspicious circumstances in Pateley Bridge couple’s death
• Four covid deaths in three days at Harrogate hospital

Gritters are out in force today as the Harrogate district braces itself for a second bout of heavy snow in a week.

Fountains Abbey near Ripon and RHS Harlow Carr in Harrogate have already decided to close tomorrow, with the Met Office warning of road closures, stranded vehicles, power cuts and loss of mobile phone coverage.

With heavy snow forecast all day tomorrow (Jan 14), Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, including the deer park will be closed all day for the safety of visitors and staff.
If you've booked to visit tomorrow you should receive a cancellation email shortly.@GHRHarrogate pic.twitter.com/iwPF7JWxWi

— Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, National Trust (@fountainsabbey) January 13, 2021

Unfortunately with more heavy snow forecast in Harrogate tomorrow, RHS Garden Harlow Carr and Garden Centre will be closed on Thurs 14th January.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused. If you have paid for tickets, please contact harlowcarr@rhs.org.uk to arrange a refund. pic.twitter.com/oW6oKnTMJI

— RHS Harlow Carr (@RHSHarlowCarr) January 13, 2021

A yellow weather warning for snow and ice is in place until 9pm tomorrow.

Although less severe than amber and red warnings, the Met Office still warns of “possible significant travel disruption”.

Overnight temperatures are forecast to fall as low as minus two degrees centigrade and not rise above freezing until Saturday, when another weather warning — this time for heavy rain — if effective.

A @metoffice yellow #weatherwarning for #snow and #ice in #NorthYorkshire is in place until 9pm tomorrow. Our gritting crews are treating priority roads but, if you must travel, please take extra care.

You can keep up to date with the forecast here ⬇️https://t.co/zHvC8EqeVU pic.twitter.com/02QCYkusKz

— North Yorkshire Council (@northyorksc) January 13, 2021

There are currently no flood warnings in the Harrogate district but they are in place nearby on the River Swale and River Ouse.

The Stray Ferret will provide weather and travel updates throughout the day tomorrow.