Storm and flood-related insurance claims in the south west are an estimated £6.5 million, according to the rural insurer NFU Mutual.

NFU Mutual Rural Affairs spokesman Tim Price said: “We’re currently dealing with over 1,000 claims from farmers, homeowners and businesses in the South West who have suffered from storm or flood damage.”

The figures provided by NFU Mutual cover Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and southern parts of Gloucestershire.

“The majority of claims are for wind damage from the tremendous battering storms have given properties in rural areas across the South West. We’re dealing with a small number of flood claims – but far fewer than might be expected,” added Mr Price.

Mr Price said very few of the claims related to livestock, as many farmers had already moved their livestock to higher and safer ground.

Meanwhile the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution said many people were worried about potential further losses this year.

“It highlights, once again, how vulnerable farmers are to forces over which they have no control,” said RABI communications manager Philippa Spackman

“Charities such as RABI can help. We cannot pay business  bills, but we can and do help farming people in financial difficulty.”