The Duke of Westminster and his friend Prince Charles have committed financial support to flood-hit residents in Somerset by offering £50,000 each.

A spokeswoman for the Duke, who  lives at Eaton Hall, near Chester,  said:  “The Duke was pleased to lend his support to the Somerset farming  community by matching the Prince  of Wales’ donation.”

Yesterday the Prince met local residents, farmers and emergency services personnel who have been affected by the flooding.

Charles, patron of the Prince's Countryside Fund, which will provide the donation, attended a reception in Stoke St Gregory amid heavy rain and winds.

Dozens of schoolchildren, residents and campaigners greeted him as he arrived at Williams Hall in the small Somerset village, near Taunton.