Two traders who were flooded out say they’re glad to be back in business.

Claire Rayment opened Hummingbird House, on Old Kings Arms Lane, Cockermouth, in September 2014, months after graduating from university. Fifteen months later it flooded.

She said: “We had two or three foot of water. We had a feeling it was going to happen so were able to move some stuff – most of it got wrecked though.”

Claire, 23, who sells home accessories and gifts has now moved onto Main Street, into the shop previously occupied by the sweet and fudge shop.

She hosted a celebration last night, while the shop opens for business proper today.

In flood-hit communities, including Cockermouth, Carlisle, Keswick and parts of Eden, firms are reopening every day after battling back from December’s disaster.

Many have had to rebuild their businesses after they were completely gutted by floodwaters – some of them not for the first time.

Claire said: “It’s a bigger shop, more central and has a nice shop front. I am able to display more stock.”

Claire is delighted to be back in business.

She said: “I think Cockermouth is going to bounce back even bigger and better. Everyone has had a chance to refresh.

“People seem positive, which is great.”

She does not have to renew her insurance until September and is hoping that by then Flood Re will have been extended to include support for small businesses.

Claire has been living near Aspatria but hopes to move to Cockermouth next month.

A Cockermouth chippie has also opened again.

Eleni Pavlou and her team of six staff were back in Main Street Fisheries this week, more than five months after the floods hit.

The shop has been completely renovated and tiled from the floor to ceiling.

“We had about one and a half foot of water,” said Eleni.

“We stripped everything from the ceiling down, it’s all new.”

She has been unable to get flood insurance.

“The Government set up a website for business and homeowners to use but it sent me round the bend, it was no use,” Eleni added. “I would like to see the Government supporting us, they said everyone would get insurance but that has not happened.”

Eleni is delighted to be back behind the counter.

“It’s good to be back. I cannot wait for all the shops to be open again and bringing back some business,” she said.