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Shop owners in Appleby-in-Westmorland - the first town to be affected by the floods at the weekend - have been speaking of their devastation.

Catherine Hoggins was among them. She had only opened Appleby Barber Shop in Bridge Street last Monday - having relocated from the market arcade, which has escaped much of the damage.

Quote Message: What can you say? Self employed, three kids, single mum, three weeks before Christmas, what do you do? What can you say? Self employed, three kids, single mum, three weeks before Christmas, what do you do?

Quote Message: For me personally it's devastating. You have got to crack on, haven't you? I'm devastated more for my kids because there is no money coming in. For me personally it's devastating. You have got to crack on, haven't you? I'm devastated more for my kids because there is no money coming in.

Jackie Kilpatrick, 58, who runs interior furnishings firm Jak & Co - a new business venture which has only been open four weeks - said many businesses would not be reopening until February.

Quote Message: I'm devastated. Everybody has been affected but I will say there has been an amazing community spirit. I'm devastated. Everybody has been affected but I will say there has been an amazing community spirit.