Cars left trapped in flash floods

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Somerset and Devon wake up to flooding

More than 15 people have been rescued by emergency services from vehicles trapped in high water after flash flooding in Devon and Cornwall.

Seven people were rescued in five incidents in Devon, including Monkton, Plympton, Kentisbeare and Axminster.

Water was also pumped out of basements in Ottery St Mary and Sidbury.

In Cornwall, 10 people were rescued, including seven from two vehicles near Boscastle and three from a car at North Hill, near Launceston.

'Got stuck'

In Devon, truck driver Paul Cagill ran into difficulties near Clyst St George, near Exeter.

He said: "I came down the road saw two cars already blocking it.

"I couldn't down get to one side, so I tried the other and got stuck.

"I thought there was a pavement but I caught a grass verge, so I sank."

Teams of highways contractors from Devon County Council worked with Environment Agency staff throughout the night in an effort to keep roads clear of debris.

The council said its highway operations control centre was "inundated" with calls overnight with reports of flooding, fallen trees and landslides, and crews were deployed to those areas worst hit.

Roads blocked from flooding included: the A376 at Clyst St Mary, the B3179 at Clyst St George, the B3180 and B3181.

Trucks ran into difficulties, as well as cars

Councillor Margaret Rogers, executive member for the environment, said: "Our staff will continue the clean-up over the weekend in an effort to get roads reopened as quickly as possible."

According to BBC weather forecaster Chris Fawkes, the heaviest rain over the south-west has now moved away but showers are due to follow. However, these will not be as heavy as the earlier rainfall.

Flood watches have been issued for rivers in north Cornwall, including the areas of Newquay, Padstow, Wadebridge and Sladesbridge, Bodmin and Camelford.

There is also a flood watch in place for the rivers Tamar, Neet, Kensey, Lynher and Ottery.

In Devon, flood warnings are in place for most of the county's rivers.

Trains between London Paddington to Exeter St Davids and the West of England have also been affected, with services being unable to operate between Reading and Taunton in both directions.

Customers in the affected areas are advised not to travel.