Cumbria Flood Recovery Appeal, which was set up in the immediate aftermath of last year’s floods, has given out more than £7 million in grants, with another £3.3 million still to be handed out.

More than 2,700 households and 130 community projects have received a financial boost from the fund, which raised its first £1 million within a week of the floods.

But with 700 families still out of their homes across the county, bosses at Cumbria Community Foundation, which set up the fund, have warned many still need support.

Andy Beeforth, chief executive, said: “Grants can replace essentials but returning home is just the start of recovery for many residents.

“The stress and anxiety people are still suffering is considerable. We have seen families living apart, people losing their jobs – and even made homeless.

“The floods have sadly put people under considerable strain. We know our current and future grant making, fuelled by people’s generosity, contributes to helping people recover and rebuild both practically and emotionally. The need for support continues.”

As well as those not yet home, some who remained living in their flood-hit homes are still picking up the pieces.

Andy said: “The generosity of people and organisations has made an enormous difference to how much we can help residents rebuild lives that were devastated last December.

“As well as giving grants for essential household items, our whole ethos is to be helpful, supportive and understanding of people’s circumstances.

“The Cumbria Flood Recovery Appeal has been a success because of the generosity of people who gave money.

“We are fortunate to live in such supportive communities. I can only say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported the appeal, including government. It is only through their support that we have been able to help so many floods affected people.”

Over the coming months the appeal will continue to make household hardship awards and support groups affected by the floods.

To find out more about the Cumbria Flood Recovery Appeal, or to apply, visit www.cumbriafoundation.org or call 01900 825760.