By Matthew Legg

Last updated at 13:15, Monday, 21 December 2009

Cockermouth's Fletcher Christian Tavern has become the first pub on the town’s flood-hit Main Street to re-open.

The street was devastated when the rivers Cocker and Derwent burst their banks a month ago.

Pubs, restaurants and shops along the entire thoroughfare were wrecked by up to 5ft of filthy floodwater.

But Fletcher Christian landlord John Reid was determined to give people somewhere to socialise over Christmas and pulled out all the stops to re-open.

The pub’s kitchens are still out of action, but the drink will be flowing and there will be entertainment including karaoke and live music.

Mr Reid said: “The floodwater started to come in early on the afternoon of November 19, when the river burst its banks, and Main Street had a shallow stream running down it.

“By 5pm, the waters had risen and started to enter the pub, at which point the customers were quickly evacuated.

“Not expecting it to get any worse, I retired to the upstairs flat with my dog Stella to keep dry.

“Shortly after I found the lower level of the pub was under 5ft of water and we were trapped.

“After several hours of rescue operation at around midnight we were rescued and taken to safety.”

Mr Reid returned to the pub the following Monday to find the place ruined and covered in mud.

He began the clean-up operation immediately, determined to be open again for Christmas.

First published at 11:23, Monday, 21 December 2009
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk