Carlisle police station was badly damaged in the floods

The Cumbria force's Rickergate station in Carlisle was among scores of buildings hit by floodwater which devastated the city.

Up to 300 officers had to use local authority buildings during repairs and prisoners were housed at cells at the force's headquarters in Penrith.

The Home Offices has now given the force �1.2m to build new cells.

The force has applied for planning permission to build the prefacbricated cells complex at its northern traffic unit site at Houghton.

Temporary arrangements

Assistant Chief Constable Neil Rhodes said the measures would only be temporary and a long-term solution to the problem would still have to be found.

He said: "We believe we made a good case to the Home Office for help following the impact of the storms on the city and Rickergate, and they have listened.

"This will be good news too for our staff who have had to work in difficult circumstances in the temporary arrangements and I thank them for their continuing tolerance."

Reg Watson, chair of Cumbria Police Authority, added: "It is right that we provide the best facilities we can for our staff who work in one of the hardest jobs in the constabulary.

"This grant has been good news for us and is a welcome relief from the impact of the storms."