AFTER nearly six months of hardship, a community hit by flooding is beginning to recover.

The reopening of Ali's Store, in South Church, yesterday, was a clear sign of normality returning to the area.

The property was among hundreds in South Church and West Auckland affected by floods at the beginning of June.

Shopkeeper Ali Shakir found his shop under 3ft of water.

About £13,000 worth of stock was ruined, as well as fridges, shelves and a shop counter.

The loss of the community's only store was a serious blow for local people, many of whom were also trying to deal with the upheaval of having to flee their damaged homes and live in caravans.

This week the first few affected families were moving back into their homes.

Ali Shakir's daughter, Rozeena, said: "We've had people knocking on our door saying we haven't got this or that. That is why we tried to reopen the shop quickly.

"We had to start from scratch. We ordered new furniture; a new counter and fridge. A lot of friends and family helped out.

"This is the centrepoint for the community. People know they can come here and get everything.

"Some people lost their cars in the floods, and if you haven't got transport then you can't shop."

It took 20 weeks to restore the shop, although the Shakir's family home still isn't ready to be reoccupied.

Yesterday, Bishop Auckland MP Derek Foster and local residents gathered to celebrate the store's reopening.

Mr Foster said: "I saw the shop on the day after the flood happened, and I don't think they ever thought they would be back in here.

"The family have done a tremendous job and it is great testimony to the people of South Church that there is such determination to get back on their feet."

But Mr Foster said there was still more to be done.

"There are still many issues to be taken up. I will certainly be getting in touch with the Environment Agency. The action group here deserve some answers to their questions," he said.

"If the answers are not sufficient, then I'll be seeing the ministers, Michael Meacher and Elliot Morley, to see what they can do."