Storm Henk: Government offers grants to flood-hit communities

Anthony Molloy watched overnight as his back garden in Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, flooded

Thousands of pounds in emergency aid has been offered to flood-hit communities impacted by Storm Henk.

The government said areas that have suffered "exceptional localised flooding" would be able to apply for the lifeline financial support.

Flooded households in "eligible affected areas" could apply for up to £500 to help with immediate costs.

The East of England has been battered by extreme weather since Tuesday.

Households and businesses "significantly affected" would be eligible for 100% council tax and business rates relief for at least three months, the government said.

A driver had a "lucky escape" after his van ended up in a flooded ford at Sible Hedingham in Essex

A range of further measures was also offered to farmers, small-to-medium sized businesses and "eligible flood-hit property owners".

Families and businesses have been experiencing "extreme challenges", Communities Secretary Michael Gove said.

Mobile homes at Billing Aquadrome, a holiday park in Great Billing, Northamptonshire, were submerged on Wednesday, with a "full evacuation" of the site in response.

On Friday, Essex County Fire & Rescue Service said it received about 100 flood-related calls, with "dozens" involving people trapped in cars.

The footpaths behind Alder Carr Farm in Creeting St Mary, near Stowmarket, were completely flooded in the storm

Houses were evacuated in Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, where record river levels were recorded.

And some schools in Suffolk and one in Buckinghamshire were closed on Friday due to flooding.

A flood alert for the River Great Ouse, from Brampton to Earith, in Cambridgeshire, was in place on Saturday.

The government said the impact of Storm Henk was expected to continue through to Monday.