WATER First Responder teams are on standby at Kidderminster Fire Station to respond to flooding.

With heavy rainfall expected for at least the next 24 hours, firefighters and officers from Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) are prepared to respond to flooding situations.

The Service has remained busy over the past few days and has not only responded to 999 calls but has sent boats crews out to check properties and to ensure people are safe and not at any risk.

Area Commander Mark Preece said: “We have been working closely with our colleagues in other agencies over the last week including West Mercia Police, the Environment Agency and local councils. Everyone is working hard to try and ensure our communities are kept as safe as possible from the floods.

“We are grateful for the support from the military and we currently have a number of army officers based at our Fire Station in Upton.

"They will be deployed as and when needed by any of the agencies. I must also acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the Severn Area Rescue Association and West Midlands Search and Rescue – these are volunteer agencies which provide boat support to us as and when needed.”