A decision to only partially compensate firefighters for flood damage to their cars has been labelled "mean".

Crews in Uckfield and Lewes have been told they will have to meet some of the costs from their own pockets, even though it happened as they were tackling the floods.

The stations are based close to the Rivers Ouse and Uck, which burst their banks last October.

East Sussex Fire Brigade had taken out insurance to cover personal financial loss inside the buildings.

In some instances ex gratia payments were given to fire-fighters who suffered vehicle damage.

But senior officials at the East Sussex Fire Brigades Union (FBU) said the payments did not cover the full loss for firefighters, whose vehicles were damaged while parked at the stations.

Some firefighters face insurance premium hikes and the loss of no-claims bonuses.

Jim Parrott, union branch secretary, described the treatment as "mean".

He said: "Three or four firefighters have lost their no-claims bonus after losing vehicles in the floods.

"For one, it amounts to about £100 but for another the loss is closer to £900.

"They were hoping to get some help but ended up waiting a year to find out the answer was no."

Union officials said in December last year members of the East Sussex Fire Authority had agreed firefighters should not suffer personal financial loss.

Members have now accused councillors on the authority of going back on their word by saying they will not fully compensate them.

Mr Parrott said: "It's bad enough East Sussex Fire Brigade sent its firefighters to flooding incidents poorly equipped and ill-prepared, putting their lives at risk.

"Many firefighters who were on duty during the floods are part-time.

"They have to drop what they are doing at a moment's notice to respond to public emergencies. Why should they be out of pocket for serving their community?

"Perhaps we will have better luck appealing to the insurance companies than our so-called caring employers."

Len Richards, East Sussex Fire Brigade's Deputy Chief Fire Officer, said it would be wrong for public money to cover the firefighters' entire losses.

The fire authority had honoured its commitment by making ex gratia payments.

He said: "The brigade had fortuitously taken out insurance for personal loss inside the buildings.

"That the fire authority had the foresight to take out that insurance was, I believe, quite unique.

"The authority also made ex gratia payments to recognise the fact some firefighters had suffered hardship such as damaged cars.

"The authority deliberated long and hard about this.

"It was decided that while it would be improper to use public money to pay for all losses incurred, some payments would be given to compensate.

"I believe the authority has honoured that agreement."