MORE than £16,000 has been raised for schools which has lost many of its resources and suffered severe damage during flash floods.

As previously reported, Hook junior and infant schools were impacted by flash flooding on Thursday, August 1 resulting in the hall, kitchen and classrooms being damaged by water, which was up to a foot deep in some places.

The community has rallied to support the schools, with a fundraising page set up to replace items damaged by the flood, which are not covered by insurance, such as soft furnishings, materials, stationery, and books.

READ MORE: School's hall and classrooms damaged by flood water in heavy rain

(Image: Hook Schools Community Association) At the time of the flood, children at a holiday club watched as water poured in, whilst school staff rushed in to help save what they could, with many working late into the night.

A fundraising page, set up by Hook Schools Community Association, has, at the time of writing, raised more than £16,000.

Nicci Bailey, deputy headteacher at Hook Junior School, said the school will be “extremely grateful” for any donations.

She said: “As time is passing, we are discovering more damage to resources, flooring and skirting as it dries out. Schools have also spent on support the night of the flood to remove water. There is a deep clean scheduled which will support the clear up.”

The schools are working closely with Hampshire County Council and its contractors to rectify damaged areas and furniture, and parents have been reassured that staff will continue to work during the holidays to ensure the schools are ‘safe, clean and welcoming’ for children to return in September.

The schools said the water was up to several inches in the worst affected areas, including the kitchen, where both the junior and infant school meals are prepared, and three classrooms where water was all across the floors.

Hook Schools Community Association said many of the items lost in the flood are not covered by insurance such as soft furnishings, adding: “These are often things which have been brought in by teachers or LSAs, made specially, or donated by friends of the school.

“The resources cupboard was badly affected, with stocks of paper, card and other materials ruined. Of course as the school is cleaned up, more will be found.”

To donate visit Hook Infant School Flood Relief - JustGiving.