Some moved into upstairs rooms, others left the area to stay with friends and relatives as Mimmshall Brook broke its banks following some of the worst weather to hit the south of England since the storms of 1987.

Swanland Road was flooded from the ford at Mimms Hall Cottages at the south end through to Warrengate Road which in turn was flooded the full length to the cottages at Water End.

The flooding extended several hundred metres up Bradmore Lane making the only approach to Swanland Road via Welham Green.

Those living opposite Mimmshall Brook used sandbags to try to prevent the water rising but by mid morning (Monday October 30) the floods had already risen six inches above the ground floor skirting boards in several bungalows.

Two residents of Hawkshead Lane warned approaching vehicles of the floods and the road closures for three and a half hours after spotting many vehicles backing up and reversing into driveways.

Police and emergency services were on the scene on Monday morning helping residents escape the flooding.

The brook itself had reached the top arch of the small hump back bridge at the end of Hawkshead Lane and fields either side had become small lakes.

One elderly lady was helped out of her home by a neighbour to visit her sick husband in hospital. Others gathered what they could and waded to safety along the flooded Warrengate Road.

One driver became stranded at the foot of Hawkshead Lane at 06:00 and