Rain causes flooding and travel problems in Cumbria

Overhead cable supports for the West Coast mainline were affected close to the River Caldew

Flooding is affecting many parts of Cumbria after a night of heavy rain.

The Environment Agency has issued flood alerts and warnings for a number of the county's rivers and has been checking flood defences and river levels.

Cumbria Police said they were most concerned about the Rivers Caldew and Petteril in the north of the county, which have burst their banks.

Pete Fox from the Environment Agency said: "We urge people to stay out of flood water - it's dangerous stuff."

He said the recent "unprecedented" wet weather had left the ground saturated and unable to cope with more rain.

'Working flat out'

Andy Brown, from the agency, said: "We've been flat out preparing for this the last couple of days.

"Everyone will be in during the weekend and for the next few days, working with local authorities, emergency services, community groups to try and minimise the risk of any further flooding to people and their properties," he said.

A number of roads in the county have been closed including the A66, which was shut both ways due to flooding between A5086 and A591 Penrith Road.

On First Transpennine Express and Virgin trains all services between Glasgow Central and Carlisle, and between Edinburgh Waverley and Carlisle, were cancelled.

ScotRail said services between Dumfries and Carlisle were also cancelled.

At Keswick, Elliot Park and Keswick Campsite was closed and evacuated.