Coming from a long line of Islanders, and having been born and bred on the Isle of Wight myself, I already knew the sense of community here was unparalleled.

And after spending most of last week out and about, visiting the homes of residents affected by flooding, it’s clear to see that spirit is still alive and kicking, even in the most testing of times.

It was heart-breaking to see houses all-but destroyed and personal belongings ruined when flash floods hit.

From anger to upset, the residents I spoke to were understandably emotional and drained — both mentally and physically.

One couple in Binstead had been forced to move out of their house for the second time in two years, due to flooding. Another was confined to their upstairs.

Driveways in the village were full of once-prized possessions, which had unfortunately succumbed to the flood water.

And I heard how the mere thought of heavy rain and the fear of what that could bring was keeping people awake at night.

From make-your-own flood gates to stacked up sandbags, I saw, first hand, the lengths they were going to, to protect their properties.

On The Strand, businesses were, and still are, counting the cost of damage done by the knee-high water.

I heard how owners, and residents, had struggled to get insurance, as this wasn’t the first-time many had been flooded.

Some Islanders said they were having to pay for repairs out of their own pocket and they felt there was little-to-no help out there. Indeed, they are still waiting to receive Government funding which has been promised.

Those lucky enough to have insurance were left reeling at the prospect of having to pay sky-high premiums.

But they say adversity brings out the best in people and that’s exactly what was displayed across the Island at the end of last month.

Residents in and around Monktonmead joined forces in the hope of finding out how exactly their properties were so badly affected and to offer support to those in need.

Then there’s the group of selfless volunteers who spent day and night unblocking drains and gullies Island-wide, using plastic bags kindly donated by supermarkets to create makeshift sandbags, and then delivering them to residents in need.

And sometimes even the smallest acts go a long way. While council traffic wardens were ticketing vehicles still submerged, staff at The Solent Inn pub were offering free hot drinks (as long as guests had their wellies on!). And that’s all despite being affected by flooding themselves.

Being journalists, the team at the CP knew it was just as important to give those affected a voice, in the aftermath of the devastation, as it was providing live, up to date coverage of the flooding, as it happened.

I’m very grateful Islanders trusted myself and our reporters to tell their stories and hopefully it has set them on a path to getting some much-needed answers.