SOLDIERS working with Cumbria County Council and other civilian agencies have shifted focus to the county’s rural communities affected by recent flooding.

After more than a week of helping in urban centres like Carlisle, Keswick and Workington, personnel have now been asked to travel into more isolated areas of the Lake District.

The 2nd Battalion The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment has sent teams to small settlements to speak with those affected and assess requests for assistance.

Various villages in the Lake District were cut off after Storm Desmond and huge effort has been centred on mending the river bank in the village of Glenridding which flooded twice in just five days.

The infantrymen used four-wheel drive vehicles to battle through snow on many of the Lake District’s roads over the weekend.

Corporal Joe Greenwood said: “We need to make sure that anyone who may need our help is aware we’re in the area.

“We’re knocking on doors, listening to concerns and taking any jobs they may have away to our control room to be considered.

“We’re here to help moved damaged furniture, clear rubble or just show them a friendly face.”

Around 100 soldiers have been working throughout the county since Sunday December 6.

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