Seventy years ago, Billy Bishop became a local hero after he risked his own life to save the lives of fellow villagers during a terrifying flood in 1953. 

But despite his efforts, the late Mr Bishop never received an award for his heroic actions on the night of January 31, which undoubtedly saved lives in his home village in north Norfolk. 

Without a thought for himself, the former sea-defence worker ran through Cley to warn residents that torrents of gushing water were heading straight for them.

Eastern Daily Press: Billy Bishop kept a copy of the original article about the rescue for yearBilly Bishop kept a copy of the original article about the rescue for year (Image: Newsquest)

He then braved the ferocious flood waters in a flimsy dinghy to rescue author and broadcaster Gordon Lee, better known as Buttercup Joe, who became stranded. 

Then aged 19, Mr Lee went to his allotment to release his pigs once he realised how bad the flooding was becoming. 

Before he could get away, he became marooned in pitch black on top of either a tree or a shed roof. 

READ MORE: Prince William, the Prince of Wales, visits Norfolk church to remember the victims of 1953

Repeated attempts were made to reach him by boat, but they failed because of the strength of the tidal waters. Eventually Mr Bishop rescued him after he had been subjected to more than three hours’ exposure to the storm. 

The next morning, relief headquarters were set up in Cley Hall.

Eastern Daily Press: A copy of the Eastern Daily Press from Monday, February 2, 1953A copy of the Eastern Daily Press from Monday, February 2, 1953 (Image: Newsquest)

The late Des Barney, from Sheringham, who died in 2016, witnessed first-hand how he braved the flood waters for more than an hour.  

Speaking in June 2007, shortly after Mr Bishop’s death, he said: "Billy was a hero. When he went to rescue Buttercup Joe from up a tree his hands were red raw from rowing." 

Mr Bishop, who took part in the D-Day landings, was a keen birdwatcher and footballer, and also enjoyed snooker, sports, cycling and horse racing.

Eastern Daily Press: William Bishop, who was known as Billy, died aged 96William Bishop, who was known as Billy, died aged 96 (Image: Newsquest)

The father of eight, who was also a great-great-grandfather, died on June 1 2007, aged 96. A funeral took place at St Andrew's Church in Holt, where he lived during the latter years of his life. 

The 1953 North Sea Flood caused devastation across swathes of England, Scotland, Belgium and the Netherlands, causing 2,551 deaths in total including 100 in Norfolk. 

It was the largest flood to hit England in the 20th century and caused huge damage throughout Norfolk.