A flood-hit firm of solicitors has found a new use for astroturf, the material designed as a covering for all-weather sports surfaces.

The office of Wynne, Baxter and Godfree in Cliffe High Street, Lewes, is still reeling from the effects of the River Ouse bursting its banks during last month's disaster.

The flood, which reached 3ft deep in the office, destroyed the carpet and left the woodwork sodden. The estimated repair cost is £250,000.

Even if it were laid, new carpet would be ruined by the damp and prevent the floorboards from breathing, so partnership secretary Chris Coopey decided on a radical solution.

The 17th Century building, used by solicitors since 1839, is thought to be the first office in Sussex to have an astroturf floor covering.

The texture means that, unlike carpet, it gathers little water and is able to expel dampness easily.

Mr Coopey said: "We had to close the ground floor reception and squeeze into the other two floors. Now we can reopen. This will help relieve the pressure.

"I was agonising over what to replace the reception area carpet with and this seemed perfect. It has only cost the firm about £800, which is roughly the same as a carpet."

Solicitor Pauline Hillman said: "We've been traipsing up and down the stairs with all the rubbish. This is a lot better."

Client Tony Harris said: "It's very green. I was surprised by how bright it was. It doesn't feel unlike a carpet, though. I thought it would feel more springy.

"I've only ever seen astroturf on pitches or at the sides of swimming pools. That gets splashed or rained on all the time, so it should be able to take any future flooding. Hopefully it won't have to."