Norfolk appears to have escaped relatively unscathed as a huge tidal surge passes down the east coast of England.

Some localised flooding has been reported but lifeboat crews on standby said high tide had come at around 8am without causing damage.

An Environment Agency spokesman said the main tidal peak in East Anglia has occurred and the risk of flooding has "diminished".

Those evacuated because of the flood alerts have been told they are free to return to their homes.

A Norfolk Police spokeswoman said the worst appeared to be over although plans were still in place in case of a deterioration.

"The peak has passed without major incident although there was localised flooding," said the spokeswoman.

"At this time the flooding does not present a risk to persons or property."

The Environment Agency said high waters were being recorded in Kent but no evacuations were expected.

A spokeswoman said three flood warnings and five flood watches were in place in the county but they were not expecting to upgrade them to severe flood warnings.

She said: "We are seeing elevated waters in Kent and that will continue up to high tide at around midday.

"Although no evacuations are taking place in Kent, we are asking people to remain vigilant."

Kent Fire and Rescue Service said its major incident room had been set up but there were no reports of flooding overnight.

The Environment Agency put out eight severe flood warnings in Norfolk and Suffolk and parts of Essex, Lincolnshire, North Yorkshire and Kent are also on alert.

More than 7,000 homes were evacuated in Great Yarmouth alone and police warned that the elderly and the young are most at risk.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown said the Government will help any local communities affected by flooding.

"Our first priority is to ensure people are safe, and that's why over the course of yesterday and throughout the night we have been bringing in the helicopters, the sandbags, the preparations that are absolutely necessary so that people are safe," he said.

"National government stands ready to help local communities with any difficulties that arise."

Mr Brown thanked people for their co-operation in evacuating homes and businesses in the at-risk areas.

"It's too early to assess the damage that has been done," he said.

"I think it very important we make preparations when given warnings by the Environment Agency and Met Office.

"In the course of the next few hours, the important thing is that we continue to monitor the situation locally and through the Met Office."

Experts had likened the conditions to those leading up to the floods of 1953 - when large parts of East Anglia were left under water.

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