Parts of Carlisle are still uninhabitable after the floods

The Cumbria Flood Recovery Appeal was launched in the wake of January's devastation, which claimed three lives.

The fund, administered by the Cumbria Community Foundation, said a �10,000 donation from Cumbria Police had brought the fund to its initial target.

A revised target is expected to be set in an effort to keep up with appeals for help from victims of the floods.

More than 400 grants, which come to a total of about �400,000, have been given out to individuals affected by the floods or groups dedicated to helping victims.

On Thursday Cumbria Police chief constable Michael Baxter handed over a cheque for �10,000 to fund trustees.

Trauma and distress

Mr Baxter said: "I am pleased to be able to make a donation to the fund and hope in some small way that it assists the individuals and communities of Cumbria which were affected by the extreme weather conditions in January.

"I appreciate that money can never replace treasured items or compensate for the trauma and distress caused during that terrible weekend, nevertheless it is a contribution that I and all members of the constabulary wholeheartedly support and believe will result in some benefit."

A spokeswoman for Cumbria Community Foundation told BBC News: "This donation effectively means we have reached the target we set of �700,000.

"We are still receiving appeals for help and we expect it will take some months yet for the effects to ease.

"We would expect a new fund target to be set shortly."

Parts of Carlisle remain uninhabitable after the floods, with many people still awaiting insurance claims.

Local authorities in the county have asked the government for cash help.