Flood victims in west Cumbria could be supported by a leading Hillsborough campaigner.

Mental health charity, Mind in West Cumbria, has been helping flood-hit residents, who are battling anxiety.

And Dr Brian Campbell, the charity's chairman, is hoping to bring Phil Scraton, a criminologist and author, to the area to talk to people struggling after repeated flooding.

"We're doing work with flood victims at present," he said. "We're hoping to put on a course with Phil Scraton, who did a lot of work around Hillsborough.

"He's an old mate of mine, we taught at the Open University together. He has done a lot about disaster theory, which is relevant.

"We'd also like to bring in water people and possibly the fire service, to speak about their procedures."

Mr Scraton is known for his investigative work into the circumstances of the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, where 96 football fans were crushed to death.

His book, Hillsborough: The Truth, is an account of the disaster and the aftermath and he was also a member of the Hillsborough Independent Panel, which published a report into the disaster.

He has been awarded the Freedom of the City of Liverpool for his work.

Dr Campbell said Mind had supported around 100 people in west Cumbria who were struggling in the aftermath of floods.

"There are a lot of people who are struggling, especially when the weather is bad," he said. "People have been flooded two or three times so there's a lot of anxiety.

"Getting people to come forward and admit they need help is difficult. Immediately after a flood they can come forward but now they're not so sure.

"The issue is getting Cumbria treated as unique, the solution in other parts of the country might be sufficient for them but not here."

Mind in West Cumbria holds drop-in sessions at the Carnegie Theatre in Workington from 10am until 12pm, at Flimby Social Club from 12.30pm to 2.30pm and Wigton Methodist Church from 12pm to 2pm on a Tuesday.

On Wednesday, they meet in Maryport Methodist Church between 10am and 12pm, in the Best Life building, in Workington, from 10am to 12pm, and between 11am and 1pm in Whitehaven's Unity building.

There is also a drop-in at Workington's Masonic Hall between 12pm and 2pm. The aim of the sessions is to make visitors feel safe while providing a confidential and inclusive service.

For more information on the charity, visit Mind in West Cumbria on Facebook or go to www.mindinwestcumbria.org.uk