FLOODWATERS are receding steadily but slowly across Worcestershire, say staff at the Environment Agency.

Today we have more pictures showing the dramatic impact of the latest rise in river levels after both the Severn and the Avon burst their banks following several days of heavy rain.

A spokeswoman for the agency said: "There is a slow but sure improvement, but the Avon will depend on the Severn going down."

In Worcester, the Severn remained high yesterday with the gauge at Diglis registering 4.23m (13ft 11ins) and expected to rise to 4.3m (14ft 1in), which is 3.4m (11ft 2ins) higher than the normal winter level.

Agency staff were at Hylton Road monitoring the situation but there were no plans to put up flood defence barriers.

However, in Upton-upon-Severn, temporary barriers put up on Sunday remained in place as the river was at 5m (16ft 5ins), although not expected to rise any further.

Water levels in Bewdley were also high at 3.11m (10ft 2ins) but were thought to have peaked yesterday afternoon.

In Pershore, the Avon had dropped by 20cm (8ins) but residents were warned it would fall slowly because it was directly affected by the Severn.

The spokeswoman said Evesham's Waterside was still under water but the situation was beginning to improve.

The agency has issued five flood warnings across the Midlands, warning people living or working near the Severn between Worcester and Gloucester and those close to the Avon between Evesham and Tewkesbury that their homes and businesses might flood.

A further 18 riverside areas were given the lesser status of flood watch. People can call Floodline for more information on 0845 988 1188.

SEE GALLERY for flood pictures