Cumbria flood appeal raises £500,000

Almost 5,000 homes and premises were flooded during Storm Desmond

An online appeal set up to help those affected by flooding in Cumbria has raised £500,000.

The Cumbria 2015 Flood Appeal, which was launched on 5 December, has now doubled its target to £2m.

The fund is being run by the Cumbria Community Foundation which has pledged £50,000.

The foundation said grants would help flood victims with cleaning, emergency repairs, clothing, food and basic furniture.