A WOMAN from Worcestershire whose home was devastated by flooding has been putting new technology to the test as part of a national campaign.

Judy Gibson included innovative flood-resilient features within her cottage at Uckinghall, near Upton, after it was ravaged by three-and-a-half feet of water in 2007.

Such was the extent of the damage, parts of the 18th century cottage had to be demolished and the 57-year-old spent two years living in a caravan in her garden.

But she put her time to good use by researching ways to make her home more flood resistant.

Miss Gibson, who is chairman of Uckinghall Flood Action Group, said in the event of the flood, the adjustments would allow her to move the majority of her possessions upstairs, which becomes a self-contained living area within two hours.

She said: “The first year of living in a caravan was quite fun, a bit of a novelty.

"The second year... well you never imagine you would be in the caravan for two years. I didn’t fancy doing that again which is why I was determined I would make the house as flood resilient as I could.”

Miss Gibson said it was important for householders vulnerable to flooding to take some responsibility for protecting their homes.

While much of the cost for alterations was met by the insurance firm, Miss Gibson also invested her own money.

The changes were put to the test yesterday in a dry run as part of the week-long Exercise Watermark – a government-funded operation to test the UK’s response to severe flooding.

They included removable shelves and skirting boards, lightweight and collapsible furniture, off-ground plug sockets, water absorbent paint, permeable porcelain floor tiles and UPVC windows.

Heather Shepherd, community and recovery support at the National Flood Forum, said: “The forum offered this area advice and help and Judy has gone to great lengths to make her home more resilient.”

Work is currently under way on Uckinghall Flood Alleviation Scheme, which includes a 125m flood wall, as well as a 250m earth embankment, a pumping station and highway alterations at Ferry Lane. Villagers will celebrate the official unveiling of the project in June with a street party.

John Curtin, Midlands flood risk manager at the Environment Agency, said: “Being prepared, such as taking the actions shown today, or highlighted on our website, is vital to help reduce the impact of flooding.”

For more details visit exercise watermark.co.uk