DUCKS and swans have been making the most of the high river levels in Bewdley as the town prepares for the arrival of Storm Dennis this weekend.

Flood defence barriers at Severnside North were deployed overnight on Wednesday and remain in place ahead of the weekend, when heavy rain and winds of up to 70mph are expected to hit the UK.

A flood alert remains in place in Worcestershire and the Environment Agency is warning residents to prepare for possible flooding as the River Severn is set to rise at Bewdley gauge.

Flooding is affecting low-lying land and roads adjacent to the river from Highly to Tewkesbury, and Stourport, Holt Fleet, Worcester, Kempsey, Severn Stoke and Upton upon Severn are also expected to be affected.

The river levels at Bewdley peaked at 3.67m on Thursday, but the Environment Agency has warned that levels will remain high for the next few days as further rainfall is forecast over the next 48 hours.

An agency spokesman said: "We are closely monitoring the situation. Our incident response staff are checking defences. Please avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses."

Kidderminster Shuttle: Weather warnings for Saturday. Photo from The Met OfficeWeather warnings for Saturday. Photo from The Met Office

The Met Office has issued a yellow wind warning for the entire Wyre Forest on Saturday and Sunday and a yellow rain warning is also in place in the west of the district over the weekend.

In Wyre Forest, winds are expected to peak at 28mph on Saturday.