CUMBRIA Community Foundation’s Flood Recovery Appeal has now given £2million to people across the county affected by December’s devastating floods.

It has also awarded £300,000 to community groups to help rebuild and replace sporting and social facilities, support food banks, replace lifesaving equipment and provide practical and emotional support for people affected across Cumbria.

So far £5.7 million pounds has been raised for the appeal and the charity’s chief executive says people across Cumbria will be helped financially for many months yet.

Andrew Beeforth said: “Two thousand households have been helped so far, some more than once. I’d like to encourage people to apply for a grant as and when they need it.

“We know from the last floods that it takes many months before people get back in their homes and need help to cover costs that they haven’t anticipated as well of the costs they do. Group applications are being considered once a month and once again, I’d encourage community groups who need help to apply.”

Community groups which have already been awarded grants include:

In South Lakeland

£12,050 - for a flood co-ordination officer for Age UK South Lakeland

£15,000 - flood restoration work at IBIS Sports and Social Club

£15,000 - for a Flood Relief Centre Manager at King’s Food Bank, Kendal

£5,000 - flood damage restoration for Ambleside Bowling Club

£5,000 - flood relief for The Armitt Library and Museum Centre

£15,000 - flood relief co-ordinators for Sandylands Methodist Church

£623 - direction signs following the floods at Staveley with Ings Parish Church

£15,000 - emotional support and counselling for those affected by floods, South Lakeland Mind

£11,325 - replacement jetty at YHA Ambleside

£20,000 - flood recovery co-ordinators for British Red Cross across Cumbria.

In Eden

£500 - riverside restoration for Appleby Chamber of Trade

£5,393 - flood damage repair, Lazonby and District Swimming Pool Association

£5,940 - renovation support for Appleby Scout Group

£2,000 - hosting Eden Flood Volunteers, Eden Arts Trust

£10,000 - damage repair for Patterdale Parish Council

£5,000 - county flood recovery for Eden Flood Volunteers

Groups can apply online at www.cumbriafoundation.org.