Photos: Carlisle residents clean up after devastating flood

On return home, residents have to savage the most they can from their homes

Until last weekend, the town of Carlisle, Cumbria in North West England was preparing for Christmas just like many others around the world.

A torrential rain trailing Storm Desmond led to unprecedented flooding in the cities of Cumbria and Lancaster despite flood defences put in place following the floods of 2005 and 2009.

The flood took over many homes and businesses with experts estimating damage to be between £400-500m.

The flood has receded and the town is trying to get back on its feet in time for Christmas.

Heavy rain and winds subsided by early Monday morning, but more rain is expected this week. Dozens of flood warnings remain in force in both England and Scotland in anticipation of more rainfall.

An appeal by Cumbria Community Foundation to raise £1 million to support those affected by the floods has already raised more than £120,000..