A FAMILY who endured a night of waterlogged misery branded a £60 council pay-out an "insult".

The Emery family's attic water tank overflowed causing a second-floor ceiling to collapse and gallons of water to crash into a children's bedroom.

Furniture, carpets, beds and fittings have been ruined by the deluge - but landlords Winchester City Council have offer only £60 to redecorate.

Brian Emery, of Follyfield, Bishop's Waltham, was watching TV when the incident happened.

He said: "Suddenly the television went off and I heard a big whoosh. Then all hell broke loose. Water was pouring from the ceiling and we were getting drenched."

Mum Debra Emery, 38, said: "When I saw the boys' bedroom I stood there and cried."

After calling an emergency plumber the family was forced to spend the night at a neighbour's house. Fittings in one bedroom, the bathroom and kitchen have been damaged. Carpets in all the three rooms, plus the landing, stairwell and living room, will have to be replaced. Winchester City Council has agreed to repair the structural damage, but as the Emerys have no home contents insurance it will not pay the full redecorating cost. Mrs Emery said: "They came out and gave us £60 in decorating vouchers."

Unemployed Mr Emery, 42, added: "It will cost us about £60 for each room. Three rooms have been damaged, and then there is the cost of a new carpet. The kid's beds have been ruined.''

A spokesman for Winchester City Council said: "We are responsible for the fabric of the building which we have repaired. We would urge tenants to take out contents insurance.''