Cowboy builders were on the prowl today trying to cash in on the Sussex storms.

East Sussex trading standards warned they would try to charge "over the odds for shoddy work."

A spokesman said: "People wanting to repair damage to their properties must be aware. Most building firms are legitimate but there are some cowboy builders around.

"We advise people not to deal with people knocking on doors offering to carry out work, but to contact several reputable firms and compare prices."

Conditions continued to improve today but seven East Sussex schools remained closed.

They were Blacklands Primary and Redlake Primary in Hastings, Alfriston Primary, Ditchling St Margaret's, Bourne Primary in Eastbourne, Blackboys near Uckfield, and Jarvis Brook Primary in Crowborough.

East Sussex social services were organising support, aftercare and counselling for anyone in need. Call 0845 6010664.

There was still flooding in the Milton Street-Littlington area, near Polegate, and roads north and south of Alfriston were under water.

Barcombe Mills, north of Lewes, was also flooded but water levels were dropping.

Trees were still being cleared and public transport was mostly back to normal.