CHARITY workers who also campaign to improve their community are raising money for flood victims.

The Billingham Legacy Foundation (BLF) group has activated an account for victims of floods in nearby Port Clarence.

Pat Chambers, an organiser at the charity, said she had spoken to heartbroken young families desperate to have their homes ready for Christmas.

The village, in the borough of Stockton but just over the river from Middlesbrough, was flooded as a result of a tidal surge last Thursday and about 148 homes in the area were affected.

Mrs Chambers said: “People are devastated. They’re putting on heating full blast but the reality is there’s not much chance their homes will be ready for Christmas.”

Donations are being accepted into the following account: BLF Supporters Group, Yorkshire Bank, Sort 05-06-36, Account: 13149179.

Meanwhile MP for Redcar, Ian Swales, will hold a second public meeting to discuss the issue of flooding in the town. The meeting will be held so residents can be updated on the findings of Northumbrian Water and Redcar and Cleveland Council following the severe flooding experienced in September.

Mr Swales said: “"It's really important that we have a proper plan in place to ensure that there can be no repeat of the devastation caused on September 6.

“Although the report is long overdue, I hope the Council and Northumbrian Water will now be prepared to make strong commitments and provide the answers people need.”

The meeting will be held Redcar Academy on Thursday, December 12 at 6pm.