For firefighter Steve Burgoyne, opening his local supermarket also marked a return to the scene of one of the most harrowing moments of his career.

At the height of Uckfield's floods last month, the Leading Firefighter found himself struggling desperately against a raging torrent to rescue jeweller Vernon Bishop.

A rope tied to a pillar of Somerfield supermarket was all that stopped the 38-year-old firefighter from being swept away along the flooded High Street.

Today, Mr Burgoyne was back at the scene to reopen the supermarket, one of many businesses devastated by the flood.

Slightly bemused by his new-found celebrity status, he recounted the events of the day the floods came.

He said: "We were all trying to get down the High Street through the water. I remember getting to Somerfield and seeing the water pouring from the alleyway at the side of it.

"We realised we were going to have problems getting across so we tied a line to a pillar and got across that way. It was then the water swept me off my feet.

"I was hanging on to the rope with one hand and trying to get back to my feet but the current was so strong.

"It was a harrowing experience but I can't say I was afraid for my life. The crew was there to help me."

Eventually Mr Bishop, who had been swept into the River Uck, was rescued by helicopter while Mr Burgoyne and teams of firefighters from across Sussex came to the aid of flood victims.

The Somerfield store has remained closed ever since the Uck burst its banks, sending 5ft of filthy water surging into the store.

Stock was ruined, some floated away and fixtures and fittings were destroyed. The company has splashed out £2 million on repairs.

As a mark of gratitude, management at Somerfield gave £250 to the Fire Brigade Benevolent Fund.

Mr Burgoyne said: "I think what everyone went through during the floods will always be remembered. We just hope it doesn't happen again."