Homeowners have been urged to check their properties for structural damage following the recent earthquake.

Britain was rocked by a quake measuring 5.2 on the Richter scale, the biggest to strike the country in more than two decades.

While only a relatively small number of homes were damaged, the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (Rics) said it would be worthwhile for anyone who felt the tremor to check for signs of damage.

"If properties are left unchecked and damages are not routed out and repaired straight away, it could cause more extensive damage to the property and to the wallets," said Rics spokesman Ian Potts.

Tell-tale signs include cracks in the walls or ceiling, blocked or broken drains, missing roof tiles or stiff windows and doors.

The quake underlined the importance of adequate buildings insurance as structural damage can be hugely expensive to put right.

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