MERSEYSIDE Fire and Rescue teams are on stand-by to return to Cumbria if flood waters rise again.

Three boat crews and a high volume pump were sent to the area last Friday by the Fire Service National Co-ordination centre.

Two teams went to the High Street in Cockermouth and the high volume pump and third boat team were tasked with protecting a power sub- station in Carlisle.

Station Manager Paul Murphy, who was in Cockermouth, said: “My team rescued three people, an elderly couple and a four-year-old girl.

“The little girl was scared and bewildered by what was going on but our teams are well trained and looked after her.

“When we were there, the water was starting to recede, but elderly residents who hadn’t been seen or relied on medication needed checking, which is what we did.

“At the far end of the High Street, the water speed was recorded as being 25 knots.

“The people of Cockermouth really impressed us. As the water disappeared, the extent of the damage became clearer.

“The infrastructure has been wiped out and they lost a policeman. There is a tough time ahead of them, but the people seem to have the right attitude to deal with it. We were in Cockermouth until Saturday when we were stood down by the fire service in Cumbria, who took over.”

“We are ready to go again at a moment’s notice. If we get told we’re needed again, we can be on the road within half an hour.

“All of the kit and the boats and vehicles have been decontaminated. “Whether we go or not is dependent on the weather warnings.”

Station Manager Paul Hitchen added: “What was touching is that there is a strong community spirit, with everyone helping each other.”

The third boat team and the high volume pump were redeployed to Cockermouth on Saturday to divert water away from the town.

They returned to Merseyside on Sunday. The situation in Cumbria is being monitored as more rain is expected.