Royal couple visit flood victims

The Prince and the Duchess of Cornwall visited residents of Upton-upon-Severn, Worcestershire, and Tewkesbury in Gloucestershire - two of the worst hit areas.

Hundreds of locals turned out in sunny weather to see the royal couple chat with residents in a street still partly underwater, and stop for a drink at a pub.

Charles said: "I've seen some obviously disastrous horrors that have affected so many people. What I have found so wonderful is the spirit the people have displayed. One of the things I have found about the British is when faced with disaster it brings out the best in us."

Charles also praised volunteers and the Army, personally thanking many who had been involved in the rescue effort.

At the peak of the floods, the picturesque town was cut off and was only accessible by boat. The clean-up operation is continuing in the High Street as sandbags and ripped-out carpets littered the doorways of shops and restaurants.

The royal visit coincided with the first fresh water supply to run through people's taps in the town for nearly a week. Severn Trent said around 10,000 homes now had their water supply restored, although it was still not safe to drink.

Meanwhile, Gloucestershire Police warned anyone caught fighting over water supplies or damaging bowsers could expect to be sent to prison. The tough message comes after a number of reports of disorder and vandalism to the mobile storage tankers across the region.

Offences like criminal damage and threatening behaviour rarely result in prison sentences. But because of the desperate situation across the county, where 130,000 homes are still without running water, courts will use jail as the starting basis for punishment.

Chief Constable Tim Brain said: "The courts will respond fairly, and firmly. People committing offences related to the flooding and water supply in Gloucestershire can expect to receive custodial sentences."