LUNDWOOD residents left devastated by this summer's floods are looking forward to Christmas.

Joanne Forrester-Spain and Angela Parkes, whose Lang Avenue council houses were left four feet under water, are now starting to get their lives back on track.

Floods minister and MP for Wentworth John Healey was shown around their homes and told him of their progress following his last visit.

Single mum-of-two Joanne showed off her newly fitted kitchen and fire as well as the cooker and fridge donated by Barnsley Council.

Although she is still waiting for new flooring and redecoration Joanne said she was glad to be in her home for Christmas.

She said: "I am grateful to be in my own home even if it is like this because there are many people that aren't.

"The flooding affected me at the time but I thought I have got to move forward for the sake of the kids. There is no point looking back."

Mr Healey also visited Angela Parkes who showed him photographs of how deep the water was at the height of the floods which affected Lang Avenue twice in as many weeks.

She said: "We have had help from family and grants from the council which has helped to buy cleaning materials. I got a new fridge and table and chairs, I am happy with everything they have done. We are looking forward to Christmas."

Mr Healey said it was important to visit affected residents as it was the only way to get a real sense of what they had to deal with.

He added that the task now was to sort out drainage systems, make sure they are properly maintained and reinforce flood defences.