Donations to the Lewes Flood Appeal have risen above the £200,000 mark.

Firms, individuals, clubs and community groups have helped raise the money for victims of last year's disaster.

There will be a further boost to the appeal when all the cash raised from the sale of Ouse Booze is added to the total.

The special brew was left to ferment for nine days when staff abandoned the flood-damaged Harveys brewery.

It is now being sold in aid of the appeal.

The specially bottled beer has sold out in many pubs and at the Harveys shop in Cliffe High Street, Lewes.

Flood appeal trustees are meeting on a weekly basis to decide how the money raised should be distributed.

Some people who were flooded out of their homes, when the River Ouse and River Uck burst their banks, are still in temporary accommodation while their homes continue to dry out and repairs are made.

Shops are beginning to reopen in Cliffe High Street, one of the areas worst affected by the flood waters.

Trustees are concentrating on providing flood victims with items such as cookers and refrigerators.

David Cosham, one of the appeal organisers said: "We are looking at providing practical items which people need, rather than making cash donations."

The Argus, which is backing the Sussex Flood Appeal, set up for victims across the county, will be making donations to the Lewes Lions and Rotary clubs, so they can distribute help to people affected by the disaster.