MPs are to debate the floods which devastated parts of Sussex in the House of Commons.

MPs Norman Baker and Sir Geoffrey Johnson Smith have secured a 90-minute slot in Westminster Hall on Wednesday to discuss flooding in East Sussex.

Mr Baker, Lib Dem MP for Lewes, and Sir Geoffrey, Tory MP for Wealden, say they have joined forces to raise the matter in Parliament because of the severity of the issue.

They want to know why more homes were built on flood plains in Sussex after rivers burst their banks in the Sixties.

They will also press ministers to give councils financial aid to meet the cost of clearing up following the latest floods.

The MPs will call for better flood protection measures, such as diverting rivers and improving defences.

They want the Environment Agency, councils and local flood defence committees to be given clearer responsibilities over dealing with floods.