People whose homes were hit by flooding are set for a helping hand, thanks to a £60,000 fund which will help protect their properties.

Areas such as Sprowston, Thorpe St Andrew, Gorleston and Hemsby were affected by surface water flooding last year and almost 20 applications to a pot of cash to protect homes are set to be agreed this week.

The money is available after Norfolk County Council received a £50,000 grant from the Eastern Regional Flood and Coastal Committee and £10,000 was donated anonymously to the Norfolk Community Foundation, which is administering the scheme.

County councillors will meet on Friday to agree to hand out up to £3,500 each to be spent on property protection measures meaning the outside of homes will be watertight.

Toby Coke, chairman of the council's environment, development and transport committee, said: 'It is excellent news we have managed to secure this funding and are extremely grateful to the anonymous person who has donated £10,000 towards the scheme.

'This individual's generosity will enable more vulnerable people to have their flood risk significantly reduced giving them considerable peace of mind.'

• Have you been badly affected by flooding? Tell us your story by calling reporter Dan Grimmer on 01603 772375 or email dan.grimmer@archant.co.uk