A Kent town is raising recovery funds for its German twin after heavy flooding caused widespread destruction.

The Ashford Twinning Association has launched a JustGiving page after the town's twin, Bad Münstereifel, was inundated with flood water yesterday.

The picturesque spa town in the Eifel mountain range was unrecognisable after the Erft river broke its banks amid heavy rain, submerging the town centre under several feet of water.

Bad Münstereifel is just one part of the affected area, which stretches from Western Germany to Belgium.

This rash of flooding has now killed at least 120 people, with hundreds still unaccounted for.

As a result of the damage in Bad Münstereifel, the twinning association has launched a fundraising effort to support the town - which has enjoyed a close friendship with Ashford since 1964.

The appeal says: "We are truly shocked and very upset to see the utter devastation caused by the flooding in Bad Münstereifel.

"Ashford Twinning Association sends its heartfelt and deepest sympathy to all our friends there and to each and every person who has been adversely affected by this terrible tragedy.

"Our friendship goes back a long way with many happy, special and shared memories. We are here to try to support you in any way that we can through these bad times."

An initial target of £2,000 has been set by the association, which is supported by Ashford Borough Council.

Some of the first donors include Cllr Matthew Forest (Con), the council's twinning champion.

Attached to the £40 donation, he writes: "I'm saddened to see the terrible flooding in Europe, and in particular the severe impact to Ashford's German twin town of Bad Münstereifel. Our thoughts are with all those affected."

Meanwhile another donor, Linda Christie, says: "I'm heartbroken to see the damage to beautiful Bad Münstereifel.

"The people there gave Ashford Sings! choir such a wonderful welcome and support when we visited there in 2012 and 2018."

The JustGiving page, which has already collected more than £500, is just the first in a list of physical fundraising events set to be held by the twinning association in aid of their German friends.

Also today, Ashford Borough Council is flying its flag over the Civic Centre at half-mast.

A council spokesman said: "Following the shocking news about the devastating flooding in our twin town of Bad Münstereifel and the surrounding areas in Germany, the ABC flag outside the Civic Centre has been lowered to half-mast.

"This is in recognition of our long and most valued friendship with the mayor and citizens of our twin town of Bad Münstereifel and expresses our deepest condolences at this most sad time."

Ashford's mayor Cllr Callum Knowles has also sent Bad Münstereifel's mayoress Sabine Preiser-Marian a letter on behalf of the council and town.

In it, he writes: "It is with great dismay that we learnt the shocking news about the devastating flooding and the catastrophic impact on the communities.

"The loss of lives, homes and businesses is heartbreaking to see, and I cannot imagine the pain and suffering you are feeling at this dreadfully sad time.

"Together with the citizens across the borough, I extend our deepest sympathy to all the families and friends of those who lost their lives and our love and support reaches out to all who are affected by this tragedy."

Speaking from America where she is visiting president Joe Biden, German chancellor Angela Merkel described the flooding as a "catastrophe".

Click here to donate to the association's JustGiving campaign.

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