EDEN householders can make themselves more prepared to deal with floods thanks to a new leaflet that has been launched by the Environment Agency.

The new flooding leaflets will be distributed in areas at risk of flooding across the North west including Appleby, Kendal and Burneside, and reveal what has been done in these areas to lessen the risk of flooding and also where to go for help in the event of a flood.

Many homes in Appleby were left devastated by the floods that hit North and East Cumbria in January this year.

Flood risk manager Jeff Lawrenson said: "We can lessen the risk of flooding by building defences but we can never stop it happening completely. That's why people who live in flood risk areas or have businesses that could be threatened by flooding understand that they also have a role to play in lessening the damage and emotional trauma that flooding can cause".

For details, visit the website at www.environment-agency .gov.uk.