THERE'S no denying times have been tough for drought-hit Pooncarie.

But residents rejoiced on Tuesday as Darling River flows delivered relief to the tiny town for the first time in more than a year.

It was a sight Pooncarie Hotel publican Josh Sheard described as emotional and bittersweet.

Mr Sheard, like many others, had been waiting for water to restart the lower Darling since it ran dry in D...