Thousands of pounds has already been given to flood victims

The Cumbria Flood Recovery Appeal was launched after floods devastated the county, claiming three lives.

Organisers say an average of �5,000 is being received from individuals and organisations every day.

So far �38,000 has been handed out to 75 households in the worst-hit area of Carlisle, with a further �80,000 going to wider strategic relief efforts.

'Extreme hardship'

Fund coffers have been swelled by two big donations over the past few days.

One of �50,000 came from the Francis C Scott Charitable Trust and a further �25,000 from the North West Regional Development Agency.

But fund spokesman Andrew Beeforth said staff had been touched by smaller donations, like �15 from the east Bristol History Group.

He said: "The generosity of people has been terrific.

"Obviously we are trying to concentrate on cases where there has been extreme hardship."

Hundreds of people were left homeless after the floods, and the clean-up operation is still ongoing in areas of Carlisle badly hit by floodwater.

Mr Beeforth added: "To date we have received 200 applications from individuals and families affected by the floods.

"We are continuing to accept applications and are processing those returned to us as quickly as possible."