Donations to an appeal to help victims of the floods that devastated Lewes have reached £285,000.

Organisers of the Lewes Flood Appeal say the level of support from people all over the world has exceeded their expectations.

Nearly 300 applications for help from locals, many of whom lost everything when the River Ouse burst its banks last October, have been received.

Trustees of the charity have so far made awards of £241,780 to 273 households to help residents replace damaged goods such as beds, washing machines, clothes and curtains.

The second phase of the awards helped people who suffered additional losses and costs through the floods.

Groups and individuals have staged a range of events and sold products to raise money for the appeal.

They include proceeds from the sale of Ouse Booze, produced by Harveys brewery during the flooding, an auction by The Argus, a show, a concert at Glyndebourne and children's events.

Appeal trust manager John Magness said a woman in Bahrain, in the Middle East, sent in a donation after reading about the plight of the victims.

Mr Magness said: "It has been incredible. We are astounded by the amount raised.

"The Argus and other media have rallied to help the people who have suffered. I think people realised the devastation people here have suffered and wanted to help those less fortunate than themselves.

"Everyone has suffered a loss, whether through no insurance or being under-insured or having to move out of their homes. The trust would have loved to reimburse everyone their full losses. It has been touching."

Some people lost personal items and mementoes that could never be replaced.

Money is still being raised for the appeal and the last phase of grants will be made to people who are only now returning to their homes.

Donations can be sent to the Lewes Flood Appeal, 4 Fisher Street, Lewes BN7 2DQ. Call 01273 484023 for grant application forms.