Fire and rescue workers from Herts have been drafted in to help the flood relief operation in Cumbria.

The Herts County Council team has been lending its expertise and equipment as part of a national effort to help prevent more serious flooding.

With further storms expected, a high volume pump, along with a specially-trained fire crew, have been deployed to Cumbria as well as a specialist command and control unit.

Councillor Richard Thake, County Hall’s cabinet member for community safety, said: “The flooding currently affecting northern England and southern Scotland is destroying homes and livelihoods and we want to help in any way we can.

“Our chief fire officer Roy Wilsher helps manage the coordination of national resources as part of a specialist team of senior chief fire officers who provide advice to central government as well as support local fire commanders.

“Hertfordshire’s response to the flooding forms part of a national framework which enables fire service resources from across the country to provide vital support to areas affected by large scale and complex events.

“During an incident of this size we work with colleagues from other emergency services, voluntary groups, local government, the military and the Environment Agency to help rescue people stranded in water, shore up under pressure flood defences and divert water away from people’s homes and businesses.

“The mobilisation of Hertfordshire resources is part of a well-rehearsed plan and in no way diminishes emergency cover within the county.”