The Environment Agency is hoping Facebook can act as a support network for those in the 5.4 million UK properties at risk of flooding.

It has set up the Flood Group UK page so communities can share information, experiences and advice about flooding.

There is also a flood directory so users can find out if they are in danger, tips on how to protect a property and details of free flood warnings.

Heather Shepherd from the National Flood Forum said: "Sharing ideas, experiences and information amongst communities that have either suffered flooding, or are at risk of flooding, can help enormously.

"It’s helpful to know how other communities and individuals have worked to reduce their flood risk and planned to lessen the impact should they be unfortunate enough to suffer a flood."