Town braced against flooding risk

Sandbagging was underway on Friday evening (Picture by George Wilson)

A town described as a "scene of utter devastation" when severe flooding hit last year is again bracing itself against heavy downpours.

Council officials and emergency services are on standby for potential flooding in Morpeth, Northumberland.

A county council spokesman said a school had been earmarked as a base for any evacuated residents and sandbagging was underway.

He said the peak time for flooding was predicted to be at 2200 BST.

The spokesman said: "We have started making preparations in response to the risk of flooding, with all services now on standby, and in some cases making preparations for any potential incidents.

"The situation is changing rapidly and we are taking advice from the Environment Agency and we are also liaising with Northumbria Police."

About 1,000 homes were flooded and 400 people moved to safety when the River Wansbeck burst its banks in September.

The Environment Agency is also monitoring levels on the rivers Gaunless in County Durham, Ouseburn is Newcastle, and the Wear.