VICTIMS of the devastating floods which struck East Devon almost six months ago are still living with the chaos caused by the freak storms.

Only in the last week have several residents finally been allowed back into their homes following the fateful night when water and mud poured through dozens of houses.

More than 300 people were hit by overnight flooding on October 30 — including around 100 in Ottery St Mary.

Among the worst hit was the new Thorn Farm estate, where water up to four feet deep swamped homes.

Properties were so badly damaged their occupants had to move into rented accommodation while workmen spent months replacing floors and walls.

Industrial heaters were left switched on to dry out the sodden homes.

Among those forced to relocate was Exeter solicitor Daniel Stevens, 38.

Mr Stevens, who has a five-year-old daughter, is one of those who has just moved back into his house in Thorn Farm Way.

He said: "I've just got back — and I reckon the damage amounted to £55,000, which included the £22,000 value of my two cars.

"It took two months for the house to dry out.

"Luckily, my parents live locally and we stayed with them while the house was repaired."

His neighbour Barry Fearn, 69, said his home was under more than two feet of water.

"I stayed in my house which is on three floors," he said.

"The water in the ground-floor kitchen was up to my knees."

Mr Fearn praised the community spirit which helped victims.

"The people of Ottery were brilliant," he said. "The mayor and his wife arrived to help me get rid of the water.

"The boys who take part in the tar barrel rolling also helped. So did the local Rotary Club and students from Exeter University and The King's School who provided tea and coffee.

"The town has done us proud and looking on the bright side of what was a devastating ordeal, it brought this community together. Everyone helped each other."

Widower Mr Fearn has organised a get-together for flood victims at the Tumbling Weir in Ottery on Friday, June 26.

"We have also invited people from Feniton who were hit by floodwater," he said.

Grandmother Steph Wimms, 62, is still waiting to return home. She said: "I hope to return to my home by the end of this month. I have put the damage at £25,000."

Pensioners Chris Garlick and his wife Pauline were allowed back to their home last week.

Mr Garlick, former chairman of the Otter Park Residents' Association said: "Our garden was underwater — it looked like the tide had come in.

"We have been living in a rented place. Many of us were left heartbroken.

"However, everyone has helped each other. This flood has made us all pull together."

Repairs continue for a handful of residents of Victoria Terrace after floodwater turned Mill Street into a raging torrent.

One resident, who did not want to be named said: "We have been months like this — our home had to be thoroughly cleaned. Some of our floors are still up."