Over £8,000 has been given to residents and businesses across Sevenoaks to help repair damage caused by flooding.

Three families living in Edenbridge and Westerham have successfully applied to Sevenoaks District Council for funding as part of the Government supported Repair and Renew Grant Scheme.

The severe downpours in December 2013 caused thousands of pounds worth of damage across the district, to residents and businesses as well as causing major disruption to travel and danger to many animals.

Hong Kong Diner in the High Street, Edenbridge lost two days of trading during the flooding and endured such bad damage that it had to change the flooring, damaged equipment and electrical wiring.

The diner received £1,805.45 from the Business Flood Support Scheme which went toward the repairs required.

“These Government supported schemes are available to help residents and businesses to repair properties which were damaged by the terrible flooding we had just before Christmas last year" - Cllr Roddy Hogarth

Cllr Roddy Hogarth, portfolio holder for community grants, said: “These Government supported schemes are available to help residents and businesses to repair properties which were damaged by the terrible flooding we had just before Christmas last year.

"If you’ve not applied and also have a case then you have until the end of December to do so”.

The cash for both grants is being funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and there is still more than £150,000 allocated to help as part of the Business Flood Support Scheme.

Residents and businesses can apply for funding as part of the grants up to Wednesday, December 31.

All residents which have been flooded anytime between December, 1 2013 and March, 31 2014 may be eligible for a grant up to £5,000 as part of the Repair and Renew Grant Scheme.

The cash should be used to pay for work which improves a property's ability to withstand future flooding over and above repairs that would normally be covered by insurance.