A pensioner has been refused a payout for Storm Darragh damage to his home after insurers claimed it WASN'T a storm - because the winds were "2mph too slow".

Dennis Iliffe, 77, was left stunned when his insurance company told him they could not settle his claim because wind speeds in his home town did not hit 55mph.

He has now been left counting the cost after his chimney and aerial were damaged by the powerful gusts which battered Kidderminster, Worcs., over the weekend.

Dennis said he was "absolutely astounded" to be told by insurers Ageas the 53mph winds that wrecked his home was 2mph too slow to be classed a storm.