FLOOD-hit residents turned out to access specialist advice and information on products to protect their homes.

They attended events at Greystone Community Centre and Brunton Park yesterday where representatives from the likes of Cumbria Action for Sustainability, Cumbria Emergency Response Team, the Environment Agency, FloodRe and Carlisle Flood Action Group were on hand.

Jack Dilley, Carlisle City Council's flood recovery support officer who coordinated the event, said it was about letting those devastated by flooding know what help and support is available.

"We're at the stage now where we're coming into winter. In some people's minds it's at the forefront. We're getting a little bit of a push on chasing grants now but there's still people we need to convince of the benefits," he said. "This is an opportunity now to protect their houses as best they can."

While 1,670 houses flooded in Carlisle under 600 applications for property resilience grants have been made.

As many as 100 people attended the first event at Greystone Community in the first 90 minutes.

Among them was Scott Pilley who has already benefited from one of the schemes.

He accessed grants from the city and Cumbria Community Foundation which paid for flood resilience measures to protect his home in Tullie Street.

The installation of Airbricks in the floor void, flood barriers, and a water resistant brick treatment, was completed last week.

He said: "Hopefully if what happened last year happens again this year, we'd like to think we're in a better position where the disruption will be minimal and we won't have to move out. Hopefully we could get back on with our lives as soon as we can."

The 48-year-old, who has flooded twice, encouraged others to make an application, commenting how the process was simple and straightforward.

Christine McBride has also been flooded twice. She was concerned about the drains in the Caldewgate area but was disappointed not to get an answer at the event.

The 54-year-old who is due to move back to her Morton Street home this week applied for a grant but said she isn't exactly filled with confidence heading into the winter.

"I'm going back and I'm still not reassured that anything has been done [about the drains]. I know how I'm going to feel when it rains heavy for a few days, regardless of any barriers on my door."

Property resilience grants from Carlisle City Council of up to £5,000 are available and Cumbria Community Foundation is offering up to £2,000 to those affected by last December's floods.

The deadline to apply for property resilience grants has been extended to March 31, 2017. Call Jack Dilley on 01228 817301.