A 93-year-old Cockermouth woman who lost most of her possessions in the floods was delighted to be back home this week.

Joan Bishop has spent the past six months in temporary accommodation in Cleator Moor after the December floods gutted the 12 ground floor flats in Bridge End Court.

She was the first ground floor resident to move back in last week, the remaining residents were returning to the Home Group apartments this week.

"It's lovely to be back in my flat and back in Cockermouth, it's such a lovely town. I have a mobility scooter and like getting out and about. I can go down to the river, up to the hospital and Sainsbury's," she said.

"And it's lovely to see everyone again. I have friends on the first floor, all of whom helped me when my flat was flooded, they were great."

Mrs Bishop spent two days with her friend on the first floor, when the floods hit. She was later carried out by a firefighter.

"A lady came dashing down from upstairs to say the river was coming over and suggested I come upstairs as she was worried the lift would stop working if the power went. I picked up a couple of pieces and went with her, I never got back in again," said Mrs Bishop.

"I lost pretty much everything. Only things in the upper drawers were saved. I lost books I have had for years, photographs and lots of other things. It's a bit heartbreaking, but that's life."

She is indebted to fellow residents for their support. "People were bringing in candles and food, a friend gave me her bed, everyone was looking after us, it was like the wartime when everyone helped out."

Home Group has been great, she said. And her family have all rallied round to help her settle back into her renovated flat.

"My family have been wonderful. It's been bedlam. I have £1,500 worth of furniture - beds, chest of drawers, everything - that has to be put together. They have been brilliant," said Mrs Bishop.

The ground floor work included repairing the electrics, replacing plastering and skirting boards. New kitchens have also been installed. 

Residents on the first and second floors have remained in their homes throughout.