Hundreds wake to flood-hit homes

Firefighters evacuated homes in the worst-hit areas of south Somerset after a sudden and heavy burst of rain between 6.30pm and 7pm on Thursday.

Later that night the flooding began to subside, but hundreds of people were waking up to flood-damaged homes.

A spokesman for Devon and Somerset Fire Service said all fire personnel had been pulled out from the flood-hit area as local authorities took over repairs.

Crewkerne, in south Somerset was one of the worst hit towns.

Paul Farnborough and Charlotte Strickland only moved into their flood-hit home in Weaver's Close, in Crewkerne, on Thursday.

About six inches of water filled their back garden but fortunately only just crept through the back door, and the damage inside was minimal.

A brook running alongside the couple's home rose several feet and burst through a solid stone wall.

Elsewhere in Crewkerne, South Street was completely closed. Tarmac in the road was ripped up, walls lining the street were knocked down and parked cars were severely damaged.

Newlyweds Stephen and Elizabeth Todd moved into their first bought property in South Street six months ago. They returned from their honeymoon last week and Mr Todd said they were looking forward to starting their new life together. An inch-and-a-half of floodwater passed through the couple's home, ruining the flooring in the hallway, lounge and kitchen.