Fire chiefs have reassured householders swamped by floods they will not be charged for emergency pumping work.

Chief Fire Officer Phil Toase today pledged there would be no charge for emergency flood work where there was an imminent danger to life or property.

In non-emergency situations the brigade is willing to help, but householders will be asked to pay a fee depending on the number of firefighters and appliances attending and length of time taken to deal with the incident.

Mr Toase said that in the vast majority of non-emergency cases, householders can recover the cost from insurers. But he also gave an assurance the brigade would look "sympathetically" at non-insured cases.

"Our firefighters have been stretched to the limit over recent days just dealing with emergencies, but we will always offer non-emergency assistance where possible.

"Unfortunately, the fire service receives no funding whatsoever for this kind of work from central Government so it must try to recoup the costs."

Mr Toase said non-emergency chargeable work will not be carried out without prior agreement with householders.