Initially, anyone affected by the September disaster was invited to apply for £100 from the appeal to help lift the gloom and ease the financial burden.

About £50,000 was given out, but with the total fund reaching £183,000 organisers met to decide how to distribute the rest of the cash and after talks with flood victims they have settled on a voucher scheme.

From Tuesday, forms will be available for anyone moving back into their home, or with a date for their return, to list their needs. They will then be contacted about the level of support that can be provided.

British Red Cross Regional Operations Director Judi Evans, who is helping to administer the appeal, said: "We will inform enquirers what help might be available.

"This could include furniture or furnishings from the Rotary Club warehouse at Pegswood. It is intended that vouchers are issued to help with things such as white goods, removals or carpets and under Northumberland Care Trust's Supporting People initiative skilled craftsmen can be employed to undertake various household jobs, particularly for the elderly or disabled."

Letters will be sent to around 450 people registered for help asking them to get in touch, but vouchers will only be issued for those due to move back into their homes.

However, those whose properties are still uninhabitable have been told not to worry about missing out as money will be held back to deal with demand throughout the year.

Morpeth Lions Club member Les Sage, who is involved in organising the appeal, said: "To get a voucher you must have a key or a date to move back home. We are not going to give people vouchers if they won't be back in until August.

"We are holding back money for then so people needn't panic if they haven't got their keys. We know some houses are still drying out and work is just starting on them now."

The voucher scheme will make use of local suppliers and businesses.

Forms will be available from Castle Morpeth FirstCall in Bridge Street from Tuesday.

For further information contact the British Red Cross on 07623 912340, or 01670 535000.