Carlisle United players help with clean-up operation

Carlisle defender Danny Grainger says he and his team-mates are keen to help those affected by the floods in the city in whatever way they can.

Grainger grew up in the nearby town of Penrith and as a local who knows how badly the area can be affected by adverse weather conditions, he was determined to get involved.

"We wanted to come and help out, whether that's the elderly or people with young kids," he told Sky Sports News HQ.

"I grew up in these parts so I knew what was going to come, although not as bad as it was.

"We saw in 2005 just how bad it can get and when you see the levels of water that were coming into the city, it was devastating."

Carlisle fitness coach Lee Fearn lives a short distance from the club's Brunton Park ground which was left under water and his home was one of those affected.

United played away to Welling in the second round of the FA Cup on Sunday and Fearn admits both players and staff were happy to try and assist local residents upon their return.

"We were on the bus down to Welling at the time and watching the images on television was quite surreal, when you see a rescue boat go past your house," said Fearn.

"We know first-hand having gone back to the house how small gestures can help you feel part of the community.

"As staff and players of the football club, we just want to do what little things we can do to help people in the community."