The ferocity of the floods which swamped towns and villages may have calmed, but hundreds of people are still battling to rebuild their lives in the aftermath.

Little can be said to comfort those who have suffered untold misery and distress after a deluge of water devastated their homes and cherished belongings, but offers of help have been pouring in to help those worst hit.

Today we launch an auction of gifts donated by generous businesses to help victims of the floods.

The people of Sussex are invited to make offers for the list of items to be auctioned for The Argus Flood Appeal with the message: "You don't have to bid to give."

Any donations will be gratefully received, so anyone who does not want to bid for an auction item can still pledge their help.

Firms and individuals responded generously to our pleas for items following the worst flooding to hit Sussex for more than 40 years.

Scores of homes and businesses were swamped as rivers burst their banks in Uckfield and Lewes.

To help the appeal get off to a flying start, we donated £3,000 from the profits of our The Day The Rains Came special publication.

Anyone can pledge their support for the appeal, either by giving a donation or by making a bid during our telephone auction. Calls will be charged at £1 per minute and all the money will go towards the appeal.

An England football shirt, signed by caretaker manager Peter Taylor, two Slazenger tennis racquets, autographed by Tim Henman, and individually-signed photographs of Spice Girls Victoria, Emma, Mel B and Mel C all feature in the auction.

Brighton and Hove Albion is offering a football shirt signed by the players. The shirt can either be signed by the whole team or personalised by one player if the bidder wishes.

Albion's commercial manager, Kevin Keehan, said: "We have one member of staff here who has been affected by the floods.

"The damage people are suffering is terrible. It has left lots of mud in homes and they have got to wait months for everything to dry out. We as a club want to help in any way we can."

Park Cameras, of Lower Church Road, Burgess Hill, is offering a pair of cuddly toys.

Company spokeswoman Angela Mitchell said: "Please support the appeal to assist the people who have lost so much.

"I think the cuteness of the leopards will appeal to people and they make a lovely gift as a pair or on their own."

Premier Windows has donated a voucher enabling a property to be fitted with replacement doors and windows and Dean Wilson Laing Solicitors in Church Street, Brighton, has given £600 worth of conveyancing.

The firm's assistant solicitor, Sandra Farchy, said: "The thought of having one's home flooded not once but twice, and in some cases three times, is beyond conception.

"We whole-heartedly support The Argus appeal to help alleviate the distress caused by the recent floods in Lewes and Uckfield."

Actress and author Judy Cornwell, who lives in Hove, has also donated a selection of signed hardback and paperback books, including Cow and Cow Parsley and Fishcakes at the Ritz.

She said: "It's a horrific thing. I'm pleased to see people are helping each other. It has brought out a marvellous spirit of people pulling together."

Colourfast.co.uk has given a new Xerox M750 colour inkjet blue dog printer.

British Gas has put forward a remote control VW Beetle car worth £100, while Sussex Campaign for Real Ale has provided two pairs of tickets for any session at the Hove Beer and Cider Festival from February 15 to 17, 2001. Each pair of tickets is worth £8.

Steve Lowe, the Argus' sales and promotions manager, who is co-ordinating the appeal, explained: "With all the devastation at Lewes and Uckfield left by the floods we wanted to do something as a community newspaper to help.

"You don't have to bid to give. All donations are welcome and gratefully received."

Lewes Flood Appeal, which is being overseen by a board of trustees with help from Lewes District Council, has so far raised £124,000 to help those who have suffered hardship.

Money will be distributed according to need and how badly each applicant has suffered.

The Enterprise Agency, Brighton, Hove and Lewes, has a team of business advisers in Lewes supporting firms whose premises were directly affected.

The agency is offering free support for any businesses affected by the knock-on effect of flooding.

It says it appreciates that firms and stores which have not been hit directly by water damage have still suffered under the devastation caused to the heart of the town's trading centre.

Current estimates report sales are 30 per cent down on last year.

The agency is giving free advice to any trader who is struggling in the aftermath of the floods in a bid to get Lewes back in business.

Call the agency on 01273 666800.