A CHARITY is reeling after flood waters devastated a fund raising operation.

Three hundred items of clothing were ruined when drains serving the Cancer Research Campaign shop on Redcar High Street failed to cope with a torrential downpour.

Jigsaws and bric-a-brac were reduced to sludge along with the store's carpet tiles.

The shop, which opened in December, will have to be re-carpeted. The clothes ruined in the flood had a total sale value of £1,000.

Area shops manager Sandra Hinde said: "To replace the stock which has been spoiled in the flood we are appealing to local people to have a good rummage in their cupboards and bring in any summer or winter clothing or bric-a-brac they no longer need.

"Also, if anyone wants to come and help us clear up or simply give some time as a volunteer over the next few weeks or months, we would be delighted to hear from you.''

Heather Houseman, the manager of the Redcar shop, said: "It was absolutely horrendous; dreadful. To be able to get into the shop at the back, the water had to come over a five inch high step.

"It has just been heart breaking; and there was nothing we could do.''