Bristol flash mob aims to increase flood alert users

The Environment Agency has staged a flash mob in Bristol in an attempt to get more people to sign up to its flood warning service.

Passers-by watched the 30-strong mob drench what appeared to be unsuspecting workers with buckets of water.

"By doing something a bit different, we want to reach a new audience and make them aware of the risk flooding poses," said agency spokesman Pete Fox.

The stunt is part of a month-long flood awareness campaign by the agency.

'Essential time'

"With one in six homes at risk of flooding, the most important step people can take in protecting themselves from the worst impacts is to find out if they are at risk, and sign up to the Environment Agency's free flood warnings service," said Mr Fox.

"This summer over 100,000 households were warned of potential flooding thanks to our warning service, giving people essential time to protect their homes and possessions," he added.

Currently more than 1.1m people are signed up to receive the flood warnings which can be sent by email, text, or a message to a landline or mobile phone.

Last week, the Environment Agency and Met Office warned that this summer's unusually wet weather means there is a higher risk of flooding this winter.