Residents speak of distress caused by flood damage

Ryan Waller and Dawn Berry's flat in Littlehampton was badly flooded

A couple whose flat in West Sussex was badly flooded during high tides has spoken of the distress caused by the damage.

Ryan Waller, who lives in Rope Walk, in Littlehampton, said he has barely slept since Monday's floods.

He has had to rip up all his carpets and has been without power.

Mr Waller said: "We’ve got no heating so are keeping the oven on to keep warm."

Littlehampton was one of the worst places affected by Monday's floods

He told BBC Radio Sussex: "We've lost our fridge, freezer, washing machine, furniture and TV."

Mr Waller's partner Dawn Berry said: "I came out of my bedroom and went into about half a foot of water.

"It rose to about two foot. It's devastating."

Areas of West Sussex were amongst the worst affected by Monday's floods after abnormally high tides.

A total of 180 people were evacuated from Medmerry Holiday Park, near Chichester, after the River Arun burst its banks.

The clear-up operation in Littlehampton is ongoing.

Christine Coe, from Rita's Diner, has been handing out food to those affected.

That included her elderly parents, who were evacuated from their home on Rope Walk.

She said: "There was water running everywhere.

"All their photos and even their shoes have been drying out in my diner.

"We've got a big job to do."