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Local authorities in England have paid out hundreds of thousands of pounds to drivers whose cars were damaged by potholes.

According to Britannia Rescue, Surrey County Council awarded £638,239 in compensation between 2010 and 2012, the highest amount.

Nottinghamshire County Council awarded £158,578 and Kent County Council £133,593.

Britannia obtained the figures through Freedom of Information requests.

The claims included damage to wheel rims, punctured tyres and damaged suspension.

Severe weather over the winter and a failure to repair damaged roads has been blamed for the potholes.

However, John Furey, from Surrey County Council, said: "We have done an enormous amount to improve Surrey's roads."

He said more than 40,000 potholes had been filled since May 2011.

Money paid out by local authorities between 2010-2012*

1. Surrey County Council - £638,239

2. Nottinghamshire County Council - £158,578

3. Kent County Council - £133,593

4. Lincolnshire County Council - £119,706

5. Worcestershire County Council - £110,656

6. Essex County Council - £103,507

7. Hertfordshire County Council - £101,630

8. Lancashire County Council - £97,160

9. East Sussex County Council - £86,591

10. Wiltshire County Council - £83,043

* Data provided to Britannia Rescue through the Freedom of Information Act