Soldiers from Duke of Lancaster's Regiment march in to help flood victims

One hundred personnel from 2nd Battalion Duke of Lancaster's Regiment are going from door-to-door checking on residents and offering help to those affected by Storm Desmond.

But after five days on from the UK's heaviest rainfall, some say it has come too late after families and business owners were left deluged with water when the River Greta burst its banks.

Some 600 people had to abandon properties - some for the third time in 10 years.

Sodden furniture and electrical items lay strewn across the streets waiting for council collections as people continue to assess the damage.

But amidst the devastation, the Cumbrian spirit remains intact, locals choosing to stand stoically in the face of floods despite many facing Christmas without a home.

This morning, the 2nd Battalion Duke of Lancaster's Regiment troops arrived from Carlisle marching through the market town of Keswick's streets to help with the clean-up.

Sgt Wesley Owens of 2nd Battalion Duke of Lancaster's Regiment said they hoped to give the community some "reassurance".

He said:

Kewswick, which so heavily relies on tourism, has declared that it is open for business despite the unprecedented level of water which affected the transport infrastructure and left roads damaged and schools closed.

One B&B owner and retained firefighter, Paul Maxwell, 44, of Babbling Brook Guest House, Keswick, is counting his losses.

His five-bedroom guesthouse was full when water started pouring in, knocking off the electrics.

Soon he was 2ft deep in water as it seeped through the floors.