Flood-hit west Cumbrian communities have welcomed the news that a share of a multi-million flood defence fund is set to come their way.

Egremont and Flimby have been named as two of the 13 places across England which will benefit from a government share of £62 million.

Egremont will receive a £1.6 million boost, while Flimby will be given a £400,000 uplift.

Nicola Hine, whose Flimby home was flooded in 2015 when Storm Desmond hit, said it was great news for the village.

“It’s great. We don’t want it to happen again. I couldn’t cope with it. Every time it rains, especially if it’s a lot of rain, I’m like, ‘get the flood gates on’. Touch wood, we have never had to use them.

“It’s with the kids as well. My daughter doesn’t settle at night when it rains. I’m pleased we’re getting something.”

Joy Chivers of the Flimby Flood Action Group said: “I’m happy about any money that comes from the government to help Flimby. We are advising on local knowledge and liaising around the village.”

Peter Kendall, who represents Flimby on Allerdale Council, said: “It’s brilliant for Flimby. We just want to get the work started and finished. We have been through every flood meeting since Storm Desmond and we will all feel more relaxed once the work is complete. It can’t come soon enough. It needs to be done.”

Councillor Paul Scott, Allerdale Council’s executive member with responsibility for emergency planning, added: “This is terrific news for Flimby.

“Hopefully work can begin as soon as possible, and the proposed flood defence scheme will help to reassure local residents that, if we do experience similar weather again, then their homes and businesses will be protected.”

Mike McVeigh, Egremont councillor, said he was “absolutely delighted” with the news.

“This is great news. It’s going to be a great help for the citizens of Egremont who have suffered with flooding over the years,” he said.

Sam Pollen, who represents Egremont South on the town council, added: “It’s obviously a fantastic thing for the town. It’s a positive step. It’s been a long time coming. The town has been waiting for this for decades. This is going to go a long way to preventing further floods.”

Environment Secretary Theresa Villiers announced the new round of flood defence investment on Tuesday for communities across Yorkshire, Cumbria, the North East and the South East of England.

She said: “I am delighted to announce over £60m of additional funding to better protect communities which are vulnerable to flooding, particularly across parts of northern England. Events this summer have shown that investing in flood risk management is more important than ever, and this funding builds on our long-standing £2.6 billion commitment to better protect 300,000 homes from flooding and coastal erosion over six years.”

Cumbria and Lancashire are due to receive the second largest amount of funding, with £22.8m now available to support four flood projects in Kendal, Egremont, Flimby and Preston and South Ribble.

Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury Simon Clarke said: “Flooding can have a devastating impact on communities.

“The government’s injection of an additional £62.35m will help protect communities, and ensure they remain vibrant places for people to live, work, and visit.”