A private security firm has been helping Cumbria police to help keep people's homes and businesses safe after last month's flooding. 

Security officers sourced by Randstad have undertaken patrols in flood-affected areas to provide community reassurance and to deter criminal activity between 4pm and 8am.

A Cumbria Constabulary spokesman said the security officers were being used to provide additional support to the police, but did not replace police patrols or undertake police responsibilities. 

Funding for the patrols has come from national flood recovery relief funds.

Patrols have been taking place in towns including Cockermouth and Keswick.

Superintendent Mark Pannone said: "Now we are in a recovery phase, we are keen to ensure that a few opportunistic criminals do not take advantage of empty or damaged properties.

"Working with security officers has supported us in preventing this type of activity from taking place and also stopping criminals in the act.

"The use of a private security firm is not something that is normally required, however on this occasion we felt it would be a positive approach to reassure the public during a difficult and challenging time for many people."