The Queen has sent her "heartfelt sympathy" to Sussex flood victims and expressed her admiration for emergency workers who battled the waters.

She sent a message to Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott asking him to pass on her good wishes to people whose homes and businesses have been devastated.

Lewes and Uckfield were badly hit when heavy rains led to rivers bursting their banks last month.

The Queen's message, signed Elizabeth R, reads: "Like so many others, I have been following with distress and concern the extent of the damage caused by the floods in so many areas of our country over recent weeks.

"If, as we hope, the waters are now beginning to recede at least in some areas, I would like to express my heartfelt sympathy to all those individuals and families who are only just starting the long, grim task of clearing up and who are now having to come to terms with the real cost of the damage which they have suffered.

"My thoughts are with them as they confront this challenging and anxious period which will lie ahead of them in the coming weeks and months."

It continues: "I would also at the same time be grateful if you would pass on my admiration and gratitude to all those in the emergency and local services, the armed forces and the many voluntary and other organisations who have worked so effectively and tirelessly all over the country to mitigate the extent of this natural disaster.

"Like so many of those who have been personally affected by these floods, their ingenuity, stamina and good humour, displayed daily to us through the media over these recent weeks, have been an example to us all."

The message comes after Prince Edward visited Uckfield in mid-October to meet flood victims.

Lewes MP Norman Baker said: "It is a useful reminder that the flood problem doesn't go away when the water has receded but continues for weeks and months after.

"I hope it will be a further push on the Government to give funds to get areas like Lewes back on their feet.

"Morale in Lewes is holding up quite well considering the circumstances where some people have lost everything."

Councillor Mike Skinner, Mayor of Uckfield, said: "I think it's a really nice thought and now is the appropriate time to make the comments because hopefully the waters are receding and the risk of flooding is receding."