ROYAL National Lifeboat Institution volunteers from Penarth have returned from helping flood victims in Somerset.

Fifteen volunteers from stations across Wales travelled to Somerset to work alongside emergency services in assisting flood-hit communities.

Traditionally, the Flood Rescue Team are called upon to assist in search and rescue during a flood incident, however, given the unprecedented size and scale of flooding in Somerset, the charity assisted those communities affected in a "relief" role.

Over the four day deployment, the RNLI volunteers transported food and medicine as well as offering advice, reassurance and support to those affected by the floods.

Simon Bunting, RNLI Flood Rescue Team member said: "The RNLI Flood Rescue Team were glad to be asked to work alongside the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service to try and help those communities that have been affected by flooding in Somerset."

This is the third time in three months that the team have been deployed to assist communities affected by flooding.