AN emergency response group set up following devastating floods in Cockermouth was delighted to sign up more volunteers and households at a public meeting.

Cockermouth Emergency Response Group (CERG) was set up in December 2016 - a year after Storm Desmond devastated parts of the town - and aims to ensure the community is better prepared for flooding and other large-scale emergencies.

The group was set up by Churches Together in the Cockermouth Area, the town’s Rotary club and flood action group and is supported by the borough and county councils.

It recently held a meeting to inform residents about how they could be involved and supported.

Before the meeting, which was held in Christ Church Rooms on Saturday, the group had about 60 households registered and 90 volunteers.

Administrator Jo Crozier said: “The meeting was a great success and we've signed up more people.

"We want as many households on board as possible, we cannot help people unless we have information.

"People said the meeting was useful and informative."

Various groups were represented, including Allerdale Council, the fire service, Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team and Cumbria Council for Voluntary Service.

CERG has a Facebook page and will be launching its website on Monday (www.cerg.org.uk).

"We have a good following on Facebook," said Jo.

"We were walking the river over the weekend, monitoring the situation and keeping people up to date. We are keen to keep people reassured.

"We are slowly building confidence in the community."

For more details contact:

jo.crozier17@gmail.com.