SOLIDERS have been deployed in Northumberland to support communities affected by Storm Arwen.

The Ministry of Defence have confirmed today (December 4) 80 soldiers of 4 Royal Artillery based at Alan Brook Barracks in Topcliffe have deployed to Northumberland to check on vulnerable people and identify where additional support is required.

Yesterday, Northumberland County Council declared a major incident in the county.

In total, 297 personnel from the British Army and Royal Marines are supporting civil authorities in areas across the UK impacted by the storm.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: "My thoughts are with all those who are still affected by the terrible damage from Storm Arwen. I want to thank the emergency responders and engineers who have been working tirelessly this week to try and restore power.

"I also want to thank our brilliant Armed Forces who have been deployed rapidly to support those communities which are worst affected."

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: "Our dedicated Armed Forces personnel are working side by side with civil authorities to provide essential support to communities impacted by Storm Arwen.

"The ability to deploy quickly to wherever in the UK assistance is requested makes us all safer and ensures we are able to look protect the most vulnerable in our society."