The flooding was part of the most intense September storms in the UK in 30 years and the Gatwick based charity, which supports the graphic arts and allied trades, has made the offer to anyone who works in an organisation that produces printed output.

Ian Larkham, deputy chief executive officer of The Printing Charity, said he would like to help give people a "psychological boost" to make them feel they had someone to turn to.

"We want to give them respite from their situation by helping them to go shopping or go out for a meal," he said.

The grants are not means-tested but, to qualify, applicants must have worked for three years in an organisation, regardless of their role within the company.

Larkham said: "We wanted to show we cared so we’ve made the criteria very broad to try and help as many people as possible."

However, of around a dozen print companies contacted by PrintWeek in the flood-hit regions, none had been affected.

The grants were announced on 1 October and the charity has not received any claims so far. Larkham urged anyone who thinks they may be eligible to get in touch.

"We’ve been supporting printers since1827, so please ring up and let us help," he said.

The Printing Charity made a similar gesture in 2007 when it offered grants to victims of flooding in Gloucestershire, Hull and Humberside.

Anyone affected  by the floods should download an application form at theprintingcharity.org.uk or contact Henry Smith, Grants Officer of The Printing Charity on 01293 542 820 or email henry@theprintingcharity.org.uk.