Flood-hit pensioners are worried they may be left high, dry and homeless until Christmas.

The waters may have receded but 16 pensioners from bungalows in Ladygrove Paddock, Abingdon, could be refugees for months.

Some have moved to hotels and guesthouses, while others have taken refuge with relatives.

The Anchor Trust, which is responsible for the homes, will foot the accommodation bill - which will run to thousands of pounds.

But the pensioners have been warned they might be getting out the Christmas decorations before they are able to return.

Marjorie Humphreys, 83, was woken by hammering on the door. She collapsed and was rescued by police.

She said: "I woke up in hospital. I was allowed out a few days later, but within a week I was back in with a swollen arm caused by contaminated water. It has been a very distressing time for us all. But you have got to take a positive view and look forward."

The pensioners were rescued in the early hours when the river Ock burst its banks.

They were roused from their beds, told to get dressed and take some personal belongings.

Six women are staying in the three-star White Hart hotel in Dorchester. The oldest of these is 93-year-old Nora Clarke.

She said: "I got dressed, put on a pair of Wellington boots, grabbed my toothbrush and paddled out into the night. I have been there for 20 years and have never known anything like it.

"Thanks to the help we received from the emergency services and the council we are safe. I can't wait to get back into my home."

Mrs Penman, 74, had moved from Norfolk to Ladygrove Paddock the week before the flood and many of her possessions were still in boxes.

She was at a wedding in Hunstanton, Norfolk, and did not know of the flood until her daughter phoned her.

She said: "I returned home and found my new home in a total mess. It's so distressing. I have lost so many personal possessions of great sentimental value.

"I have lost a photograph and old newspaper cuttings about my late husband - Sq Ldr 'Jock' Penman, who was wounded in the Falklands war - although I have managed to salvage some."

A spokesman for the Trust said: "We don't yet know how much it will cost to repair the estate as we are waiting for our insurers to obtain estimates.

"It's impossible to say when residents will be able to return. We're working hard to ensure that they can go back as quickly as possible and that they are comfortable while their homes are repaired."