Workington MP Sue Hayman has attended an event hosted by Flood Re to discuss how the scheme can help those living in flood-risk areas access affordable flood insurance.

Flood Re is a world first scheme which launched in April.

It helps people in flood-hit areas access affordable flood insurance.

In its first six months it took on more than 53,000 policies.

Mrs Hayman, who is shadow minister for flooding and coastal communities, said: "It was useful to meet with Flood Re and hear about how the scheme is set to help local people in my constituency and across the county of Cumbria.

"The area has been struck by terrible flooding in the past and some have struggled to access affordable flood insurance and I hope Flood Re will be able to help them.

"I'd like to encourage all my constituents to speak to their current insurer to see if they have signed up to Flood Re and if not to check the Flood Re website to see a list of those that have."

Mark Hoban, chairman of Flood Re, added: "In Cumbria, as in many other parts of the country, flooding has caused devastation.

"We want people who have previously struggled to find affordable home insurance cover in the past to know that they now have a range of options.

"With the arrival of winter, and around the one year anniversary of Storm Desmond, which caused such destruction in Cumbria, people in flood-prone parts of the country should check the Flood Re website to see which insurance providers are participating and find out more about the scheme.

"Those with insurance should speak to their current provider and everyone should be prepared to shop around as the market us becoming increasingly competitive and affordable.

"When buying a policy, people in flood-prone areas should make sure it is the best one for them and not just the cheapest."