MORE than £2m is to be paid out to help Worcestershire and Herefordshire recover from the summer's floods.

Floods Recovery Minister John Healey yesterday announced over £2.5m funding to help six authorities get back on their feet. Of this Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Authority will receive £134,627, Wychavon District Council will get £156,082 and Herefordshire Council £1,983,103.

The money, paid out by the Government under the Bellwin scheme, helps cover the costs incurred during the crisis.

Floods Recovery Minister John Healey said: "Last summer's flood caused widespread devastation and misery for thousands of people. I saw first-hand the excellent response by local agencies, including local authorities, who worked tirelessly first to protect their communities and then to help people get back on their feet.

"But this comes at a cost. That's why we made it easier for councils to claim back additional costs from the Government, by significantly extending the period for which they can claim, and increasing the proportion of costs they can receive to 100 per cent of spending above the threshold."

The latest funding brings Wychavon council's total to £829,582 and Herefordshire's to £2,269,114.