TENANTS who fled their flats during the summer floods are returning home for Christmas.

Sixteen of the 24 flats in Bullstake Close off Botley Road, in West Oxford, were damaged during the July floods, with residents forced into temporary accommodation.

But in just over than four months, staff from Oxford City Homes - the city council's housing maintenance unit - have dried out the flats and renovated them in a £200,000 project.

The flats were replastered and redecorated, fitted with new kitchens, floors and skirting boards and electrical sockets have been fitted higher on the walls in case of another flood.

Diabetic Jennifer Soanes,61, who also suffers from the muscular condition myotonic dystrophy, said: "When I walked into the flat I just cried and cried with joy - it's just like a new flat. There's nothing quite like home.

"The council workmen have been absolutely brilliant and done a great job to get us in before Christmas. It's the best present we could have had."

After the floods on Sunday, July 22, some residents moved in with family or friends, but for others it meant four months in temporary accommodation.

Ann Sloper, 68, said: "The carpet lifted from the floor and water came in through the door like a river. It was just so quick.

"This was the third flood in five years and I have never seen anything quite like it.

"This is like walking into a new flat - this is the best Christmas present we could have hoped for."

City council empty homes manager Martyn Mumford said: "We set ourselves a target that every tenant who wanted to return home could do so for Christmas - and we have achieved that. It's a great feeling to work as a team to make people's lives better."

Council tenants living in other flooded areas, including off Botley and Abingdon roads, will not be home for Christmas as repair work is continuing.