In pictures: Princes William and Harry join flood relief effort

The Duke of Cambridge and his brother Prince Harry have joined colleagues from the armed forces as flood efforts continue in Berkshire.

The royals started work in flood-hit Datchet at 06:00 GMT during a private unannounced visit.

Television cameramen and photographers soon arrived once news spread.

The royal brothers, who were dressed in waterproofs and wellington boots, were seen forming part of a human chain unloading sandbags from an Army vehicle and putting them on to the back of a train.

When Prince Harry, who is still a serving officer with the Household Cavalry, was asked by reporters if he was enjoying helping out, he replied: "Not really, with you guys around."

A newspaper reporter said he was asked by Prince William: "Why don't you put your notebook down and give us a hand with the sandbags?" But when the journalist agreed to help, aides said he was not wearing the appropriate clothing.

The Queen, the princes' grandmother, has also joined in the relief effort by providing feed and bedding for livestock to flood-hit Somerset farmers.

Graham Leaver, clerk at Datchet Parish Council, said the princes "were very involved and wanting to know what was going on. They have been in Datchet and the area and I think it's gone down very well. That is my assessment."

The royal pair braved further rain during the morning. The Environment Agency said it has recorded parts of the Thames at their highest levels for 60 years.