Paul Nicholls racehorses rescued from floods

Staff at Paul Nicholls yard in Somerset lead horses away from a flash flood

Racehorses at a champion trainer's yard had to be rescued after flash floods hit their stables.

Paul Nicholls said his staff had put in a "massive effort" overnight to rescue 15 animals.

Mr Nicholls, who trained National Hunt chaser See More Business and record-breaker Kauto Star, said water poured into the yard at Ditcheat, Somerset, reaching a depth of about 3ft.

A clear-up operation is ongoing at the yard following the flood.

Mr Nicholls said the water has now gone and the horses are being returned to their stables.

Mr Nicholls said the water has gone down overnight and the horses are being returned to the yard