A family is still waiting to move back into their home almost a year after being forced out by floods.

Wendy McGowan-Griffin and her children, Ralph and Eve Critchley, say they had expected to be back in their home in Malling Street, Lewes, by Easter.

But their house remains uninhabitable and they now have no idea when they will be able to return.

Ralph, 18, said the family felt powerless and were suffering stress as a result of the uncertainty.

The building firm responsible for the work, Hurlock Refurbishment, said the house had sustained some of the worst flood damage in the town and its restoration had proved a major project.

Managing director Les Hurlock said the family should be able to move back within the next two weeks.

In the floods of last October, Lewes suffered the worst damage of any town in the UK, with hundreds of properties affected.

Ralph Critchley's home was under almost 5ft of water.

The Lewes Tertiary College student said: "The whole place had to be stripped. All that was left was bricks.

"We have been living in rented accommodation since October. We were in Laughton before having to move and now we're in Seagrave Close in Lewes.

"We kept being told we would be in within weeks. The worst thing is not knowing. We feel powerless.

"I've packed to move before now and have had to unpack again. We're under quite a lot of stress."

Mr Hurlock said his firm had worked on between 60 and 70 flood-affected properties and Mr Critchley's was one of the worst affected.

He said work had not started until the house had dried out properly, otherwise dry rot could have developed within two years.

He said: "All the floors were taken out and new concrete put in. It needed new ceilings, special treatment on the walls, a new bathroom suite, new fireplaces, a hand-made, purpose-built kitchen and stairs.

"We want to do the job right. We have taken over a number of jobs from other builders because of our experience in dealing with water damage.

"The family should be able to move back in a week and a half. If we find we've taken too long for some other reason, we will apologise."