Fire crews are helping householders and businesses mop up after some of the worst flooding ever seen in the north of the county.

Residents had to be rescued from their homes in St John's Street, Malmesbury, and Castle Combe was flooded for the first time that fire officers could remember.

Problems began shortly before 11pm last night after a day of steady rain. Minety and Luckington were badly hit and fire crews were called to properties in Bradford on Avon and Keevil.

In Malmesbury water levels rose to over three feet in St John's Street and High Street. One woman who suffered from asthma had to be treated by paramedics after she was rescued from her home.

Watch manager Chris Harvey said it was the worst flooding he could remember. More rain is forecast for tonight.

Among the roads closed due to flooding are the B3106 at Staverton, Bull Pit in Bradford on Avon, the road between Upper Minety and Somerford Keynes, Norrington Lane near Broughton Gifford, the C168 at Shockerwick, the A429 at Kingway Bridge, the B4069 at Kington Langley, The Street at Castle Combe, the B3109 from Five Ways to South Wraxall and Malmesbury High Street.

More information on flooding is available on the Wiltshire Council website www.wiltshire.gov.uk