MUM-of-two Margaret Collins could only stand and watch as flood water edged closer to her front door.

Having flooded once already, back in 2005, she knew only too well what was in store. And once again she had no insurance.

When the water finally poured into her Petteril Street home she had no idea how she’d ever afford to get it repaired.

But thanks to a group of kind-hearted local tradesmen, who are giving up their free time to help those without insurance and most in need, she has been given new hope.

Margaret, a cleaner, said that after 2005 she had to get loans to repair her property. She did then take out insurance, but was struggling to make ends meet on her low wage.

Feeling confident that the new defences would prevent any future flooding, she couldn’t afford to renew her almost £1,000-a-year premium.

Margaret, who lives with sons Richard, 18, and Robert, 20, said they both contribute to the bills but her tax credits went down when the youngest finished school and she had to find a way to save money.

“I got the insurance bill through and it was nearly £1,000 a year. I wouldn’t say it was really excessive but on a small income like mine, earning minimum wage, I had to decide what to stop paying. When it happened, the night of the floods, I was in denial. I kept saying it’s not going to happen again. I’m still scarred from last time.”

The house ended up under five feet of water, even more than last time, and Margaret and her sons were left homeless, unsure how they would ever find the funds to rebuild their property. But then came her knights in shining armour, via the Carlisle Floods SOS group set up on Facebook. A group of local tradesmen had grouped together to offer their help to people like Margaret.

They include Ross Broad, from RB Electrical, Chris Rooke, plasterer and building contractor and Tom Hogan from TW Hogan Joinery.

Together they are doing what they can - and are appealing for other contractors to join them. They have also had support from suppliers and are urging more to donate materials and equipment.

The group are also helping Diane and George Russell in Corporation Road, who both suffer from long term health problems.

Tom said: “We just wanted to support some of those who really need it. I still have to do the day to day stuff to earn a living but where I can spare a couple of hours I can go down and help. We are local contractors and part of the community.”

Margaret said: “I can’t thank them enough. It takes a lot of the worry out of it.”

The tradesmen are also supporting the Carlisle flood action group’s Blue Ribbon Campaign, urging householders to tie a blue ribbon around drainpipes and trees at the height of the floodwater as a reminder to the Government that the city needs better protection.

Contractors or suppliers who can help can get in touch via the Carlisle Floods SOS Facebook page.