THERE is no doubt how grateful one Cockermouth family is for the town support group set up following the devastating floods of 2015.

Anne and Mark Suitor moved into their Derwentside Gardens home days before the river burst its banks, flooding hundreds of homes. "We had hardly got unpacked when we were flooded. It was absolutely horrendous," said Anne, a special needs teacher.

"We didn't really know anyone or what systems were in place - although I don't think there were any systems in place then."

That has all now changed, following the creation of Cockermouth Emergency Response Group (CERG).

And the Suitors are just one of many families so glad to know they are there. The regular flood updates and knowledge that CERG has a team of volunteers ready to sweep in and help people clear their homes, erect flood gates and safely evacuate is a huge comfort.

"I'm not in the best of health and, if we flood again and I'm in the house on my own, it's so good to know help is available," said Anne. "CERG is like an extra pair of huge hands to help vulnerable people. I feel so much better for knowing I'm signed up with them."

During the last floods she, Mark, daughter Katie and dog Ruby all had to be rescued by boat and were out of their home for four months.

CERG hopes more people living in areas at risk of flooding will register with them, so they can provide support. Only 60 households out of a potential 600 are on their database.

"We are not just about floods," said a spokesman. "If there are households who might need urgent help in the event of another Covid lockdown or a power outage, eg dialysis patients etc, we are looking to get them to signed up with us as well. The more information we have the better we can direct our resources."

They will be holding registration events on Saturday, September 11, from 10am to 2pm. Residents can sign up at three sites: Memorial Gardens, the United Reformed Church car park on Main Street, and Sainsburys. People can also register online at www.cerg.org.uk.

Cockermouth county councillor Catherine Bell said: “Speaking as someone with personal experience of being flooded, I can’t emphasise enough how important it is to be prepared in advance for any potential flooding. The time available to mitigate the damage to life and property before a flood hits is very short and the more we can do during this period to help ourselves and each other is crucial.

"CERG has a plan and a structure to maximise the resources we have available to help our community and as your neighbour and local county councillor, I would encourage you to register with their flood database."