Southern Water is dipping into its pockets to help charities and community groups on the Isle of Sheppey.

The firm is to hand over cash after Islanders were left with dry taps for up to three days following a major pipe burst.

It has already agreed to contribute to the first Sheerness Festival of the Sea and the Swale Pride celebrations next month but is asking for other nominations.

Organisations must be quick because the window for suggestions closes on Monday, August 1.

Katy Taylor, Southern Water’s chief customer officer, said: “I’m very sorry for the disruption and distress that this caused. We’re doing everything we can to make this right and this fund is in addition to our existing compensation scheme.

“We will provide donations to support customers’ favourite local charities, community and volunteer-led groups on the Isle of Sheppey.

"To make sure the money is going where it’s needed most, we’re encouraging Islanders to nominate their preferred charity or community group.”

Customers can suggest local good causes on the water firm's website here. A shortlist will be published later.

More than 20,000 customers were cut off during the hottest days of the year when the pipe supplying water to the Island burst in two places.

Distribution centres for free bottled water were set up and tankers took emergency supplies to the Island's three prisons at Eastchurch and Sheppey Community Hospital at Minster.

The major incident is likely to cost Southern Water and estimated £2 million in compensation. Residents will receive an automatic £30 for each 12 hours they were left without water.

Southern Water has since given MP Gordon Henderson an undertaking there will be a "high-level" meeting to ensure the Island is not left without water again.

Some of the new cash will go to the Island's first Festival of the Sea which is being organised by the Sheerness Town Team. The week-long activities will culminate on Saturday, August 20 with the return of the Sheppey Carnival.

Swale Pride takes place at the Oasis Isle of Sheppey Academy's Sheerness campus in Marine Parade on Saturday, August 27.

Organisers admitted: "It has been very hard for us this year, like many organisations, so support is needed more than ever. We still need donations, sponsorship, stalls and local acts."