AS CUMBRIA Tourism spreads the word that #cumbriaisopen via social media and national press, flood-hit businesses are getting back on their feet thanks to their can-do attitude plus financial help and professional expertise.

Roger Halliday, who runs Grasmere gift shop-cum-post office Grasmere Weavers, reopened for business within days of floodwater surging into his Stock Lane premises last December.

"It was above my walking boots," said Roger. "We had almost nine inches of water at its peak in the whole building, so all the floors in the whole place were ruined."

Shop staff managed to move most of the tweeds, sheepskins and woollen goods out of harm's way, and as the water receded a five-day clean-up began.

Roger is getting 100 per cent business rates relief for three months from SLDC, and this week he had a free advice session with a Cumbria Growth Hub adviser about accessing further grants. Financial support is available for businesses up to 250 full-time equivalent staff, whether severely flood-hit or indirectly, such as through road closures. The money is designed to help with survival and recovery action plans, from marketing and loan interest payments, to specialist advice and training. Seventy-five per cent of the grant will be paid up front within days of approval.

As Grasmere's village postmaster, Roger said: "I felt it was essential that we get the post office back again as quickly as possible. Because of the time of year it was really bad timing for the post office to shut down."

The damaged PO power supply and equipment were replaced after a week, and customer loyalty remained strong. "There were a few people that kept coming in to check the post office was back on because they didn't want to go somewhere else. They wanted to support us," said Roger, who is married to district and county councillor Heidi Halliday.

"I've ploughed on but it has been quite mentally difficult, definitely. It was tough for a little while shortly after, but you snap out of it and just get on with it." Roger says repairs to the severed A591 road are now vital to ensure that Grasmere does not lose essential visitors as Easter approaches.

Meanwhile, Cumbria Tourism is working hard to promote businesses that are open and to showcase locations that are back up and running.

Managing director Ian Stephens said: "Cumbria Tourism is continuing to survey visitor-dependent businesses affected by the recent floods. The results of this survey are crucial to help us make the case for Government funding support to help businesses with their recovery.

"We are also working closely with businesses and the local authorities to get positive messages to the travel media, VisitEngland and VisitBritain to stress that we are open and looking forward to welcoming visitors in 2016.”