Some floods victims have become casualties for a third time as defences designed to hold back a one-in-100-year flood were over-topped.

A number of those affected in Keswick are thought to be among those who suffered serious flood damaged in 2005 and 2009.

They had hoped to never again fall victim after hugely-improved flood defences were completed in 2012.

But they have after wet weather saw hundreds of properties in the town affected and a serious of dramatic rescues from flood-hit and risk properties taking place.

Water was also over the footbridge in Fitz Park, while a footbridge near Braithwaite also collapse.

Adrian Holme, of Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, was one of the emergency commanders in the town.

He said: "The events are devastating and unprecedented.

"The defences built in 2012 have been topped. We've had 24 hoursof constant rain.

"I'd like to pay tribute to all the emergency services who have worked hard to protect properties.

"This is devastating for Keswick. There are hundreds of properties devastated by flooding.

"Some of these people have been flooded three times now. Your heart really goes out to them."

A large number of properties have been deluged by waters after the River Eden burst its banks.

Meanwhile, rescue boats were also on the streets of Appleby with the town the first significant casualty of the floods yesterday.

Places affected there included: properties east of St Lawrence’s Bridge, The Sands, Cricket Ground, St George’s Field, Police Station, Holme farm and land, Chapel Street, Low Wiend, Bridge Street, St Lawrence’s Church, Holme Street, Swimming Pool/Carpark, Gasholder Station, Edenside Old Peoples Home, the Fire Station, Market Square, Boroughgate and Doomgate.