Today we launch a £10,000 appeal to help Sussex flood victims rebuild their lives.

Two weeks ago the worst floods in living memory ravaged Lewes and Uckfield.

Many homes were devastated, businesses remain closed and the outlook for hundreds of people is bleak.

To start the ball rolling, we've donated £3,000 of the profits from our special flood supplement, The Day The Rains Came.

Now we are calling on other businesses across Sussex to boost the total to £10,000.

We are looking for donations of a prize or service to the Flood Appeal Auction.

You may run a carpet company, an electrical shop, travel agent, furnishing store, painting and decorating business or a building firm.

Our only stipulation is that your donation must be worth at least £150.

The Argus will publish a special Appeal Auction supplement giving details of each donation, the companies making pledges and a lot number and guide price.

Readers can then call a special hotline and bid for the lots.

The hotline number - open Monday to Friday between 9am and 5.30pm - is 01273 544712.

You can also e-mail heidi.walter@argus-btn.co.uk, or fax details to us on 01273 544723.