Sandish Shoker
BBC News
Anne Leyland runs the Footsteps community drop-in centre in Whaley Bridge and was proud to be one of the first to open on the High Street yesterday afternoon.
"It's absolutely wonderful," she told the BBC.
"I just couldn't wait to get down and see my mate. We were the first ones down here I think."
Image source, PA Media
Danny Savage
North of England correspondent
Within a few minutes of the cordon and road blocks being lifted, life returned to the high street in this Derbyshire town.
Many people were in tears as they returned. At times over the last few days they feared everything they owned would be swept away in a torrent if the dam over Whaley Bridge burst.
Image source, AFP/Getty ImagesThe reservoir behind the dam is now nearly empty and will stay that way for months.
The Environment Agency says significant work is to be done to bring the dam to a condition where long-term safety can be assured.
And people say they feel reassured now the reservoir has been drained and are grateful for the huge operation to make it safe to live here again.
Sandish Shoker
BBC News
I bet it feels great for all the residents waking up in their own beds this morning.
Earlier, the BBC's Sam Fenwick shared this photo of lights on in Whaley Bridge and life returning to normal in the town.
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Amy Woodfield
BBC News
Derbyshire County Council is offering £300 to business owners who can show they've been affected by the evacuation.
The money is coming from the authority's emergency fund.
Individuals who feel they've suffered "financial hardship" will also be able to apply for £104.
Amy Woodfield
BBC News
An online fundraising page, set up to support the residents of Whaley Bridge, has now reached £615.
Image source, PA MediaThe community group Eh Up High Peak is hoping the target of £1,000 can be reached.
It's not been decided where the money will be spent yet but suggestions are being welcomed.
Amy Woodfield
BBC News
The environment minister paid a visit to Whaley Bridge last night after people were allowed to return home.
Therese Coffey said: "This is not going to be a short-term project."
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Amy Woodfield
BBC News
Residents of Whaley Bridge have spent their first night at home after a week-long evacuation of the village.
Just after 14:00 yesterday, news came in that the police cordon was being lifted as the reservoir was considered safe again.
Image source, PA MediaCan people hit by the evacuation of their home town during repairs to the dam claim on insurance?
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Samantha Fisher
BBC News Online
The Rapid Relief Team is offering a free-of-charge BBQ for the residents of Whaley Bridge to thank them.
A spokesman said: “We’ve really appreciated the outstanding residents of Whaley Bridge."
He said to recognise the community they will set up a BBQ once things have settled down and everyone has had a chance to get back home.
Image source, Getty ImagesAbout 1,500 people were evacuated last week after heavy rain affected Toddbrook Reservoir.
Read MoreSamantha Fisher
BBC News Online
Shadow flooding minister Luke Pollard says there needs to be a "permanent plan" to keep Whaley Bridge safe in the future.
Mr Pollard said: "It's fantastic news that it's finally safe for the residents to return to their homes. The emergency services, RAF and local volunteers have done incredible work in the area.
Image source, UK Parliament"We need to make sure a permanent plan is put in place to keep the community safe. We've seen before that when the news crews have left and the headlines die down, commitments made are often forgotten. We owe it to the people of Whaley Bridge not to let that happen."
Samantha Fisher
BBC News Online
Fancy a pint?
People are being encouraged to visit Whaley Bridge and spend money in its shops, cafes and pubs to make up for the lost business.
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Samantha Fisher
BBC News Online
The water level in the Toddbrook Reservoir has now been lowered by more than 10 metres and the Canal & River Trust says there is no longer a risk to the town.
Image source, Getty ImagesJulie Sharman, chief operating officer of the Canal & River Trust, said her thoughts were with the residents of Whaley Bridge in what must have been an awful week for them.
"Having to live away from home, not knowing when they could return, has been very distressing and we want to thank them for their patience and understanding while we worked to make the reservoir safe."
Engineers are still working this evening to channel water out of the dam.
Image source, Getty ImagesSamantha Fisher
BBC News Online
Residents have been welcoming each other home with the offer of hot drinks and a chat.
Things are gradually starting to get back to normal in the town and people can be seen walking their dogs, visiting shops and stopping to chat to one another.
One resident, Nigel Eastmond, said: "We had some tense days. I think everybody knows that on Thursday and Saturday there were tense moments.
"Evacuations happened quickly and everybody responded really well."
He described the sense of relief on Monday when they woke up and there was no overnight rain.
"Yesterday, there was an even greater sense of relief and today it's just fantastic.
"They saved the village, that's what happened. They saved it."
Image source, Getty Images
Image source, PA
Image source, Getty Images
Image source, Getty ImagesSamantha Fisher
BBC News Online
Volunteers have set up a hub at a primary school in Whaley Bridge after residents were allowed back into their homes.
The hub is stocked with provisions like food, drinks and toiletries.
Image source, Getty ImagesEnvironment Agency workers have also prepared a stand at the primary school with information for returning residents.
Image source, Getty ImagesSamantha Fisher
BBC News Online
Derbyshire County Council says it welcomes donations of food with a long shelf life to help the residents in Whaley Bridge.
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Samantha Fisher
BBC News Online
Former Conservative MP Edwina Currie, who lives in Whaley Bridge, has thanked the emergency services for saving the town.
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Margot Graham said she did not know if she would survive the Whaley Bridge emergency.
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