Kendal Cares: how Cumbrian town helps people left homeless by Storm Desmond

As market town comes to terms with flood's devastation and donations stream in to local help centre, politicians call for clarity from the government

After Storm Desmond left 1,397 people in Kendal homeless, the busiest place in the Cumbrian market town was a help centre set up to aid those whose homes were devastated over the weekend.

A steady stream of volunteers brought food, clothing, bedding and toys to the makeshift centre in the former tourist information office. Their generosity outstripped demand from those whose homes were ravaged by the deluge.