Help from Warwickshire for flood-ravaged Carlisle

A Warwickshire firm stepped in to offer more than just sympathy when its counterparts in Cumbria were hit by severe flooding.

Stratford-upon-Avon-based DCS Group sent a large lorry full of cleaning products to Carlisle, the first city to be devastated in the wake of Storm Desmond.

DCS Group has close business connections with Carlisle and company chairman Denys Shortt OBE said they had no hesitation in sending the assistance, which included products worth several thousand pounds.

"We decided to help because lots of families were made homeless and had their lives ruined by the flooding," said Mr Shortt.

"Our contact in Carlisle works for Carlisle Vineyard and is helping people get back on their feet. I would like to say a huge 'well done' to Andy Fearon of Carlisle Vineyards and their teams who have worked tirelessly since the floods hit."

The help from DCS and many others has been hugely-appreciated, insisted Mr Fearon.

"The response from near and far has been overwhelming," he said. "We have been amazed at the generosity and practical help so many have given to Carlisle. The donation from DCS was a huge help and made a real difference."