Britain hit by flooding

The Environment Agency has issued flood warnings across many parts of Britain as torrential rain continues to sweep across the country.

Homes in Northamptonshire and South and West Yorkshire were hit by flooding, while train services were suspended between Birmingham and the east Midlands.

The Met Office said 88 millimetres (3.5 inches) of rain had fallen on Birmingham in 24 hours, more than it normally gets in a month at this time of year.

The storms have washed out the first day of the final Test against the West Indies at Chester-le-Street in Durham, while racing was cancelled at York.

Meanwhile, more than 40 workers were trapped inside their factory after floodwaters up to six feet deep encircled the building following last night's storms.

Toolmaker WH Smith & Sons said its night shift had to stay at the plant in Water Orton Lane, Minworth, West Midlands, despite being due to clock off at 8am.

The firm's manufacturing manager, Dennis Rodway, confirmed that staff had been advised to shelter on the first floor of the two-storey factory after the nearby River Tame burst its banks.

Three severe flood warnings, the most serious category, indicating "extreme danger to life and property", have been declared in Lincolnshire and Yorkshire.

Controllers received almost 200 calls between midnight and 8am - almost all from residents worried about flooding.

A spokeswoman said most of the calls were from the Sheffield, Barnsley and Rotherham areas.

She said: "One caller just rang to say the water was now at the top step of his cellar. He was obviously concerned. We've had a very busy night across the area."

Forecasters warned more rain was on the way over the weekend.

People are advised to call the Environment Agency Floodline for news on flood warnings on 0845 988 1188.

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