HAMSTERS, rabbits, budgies and guinea pigs drowned when up to seven feet of water flooded a Droitwich pet shop.

About 40 animals were killed during the flood at Happy Pets in the town's High Street, the shop's owners said today.

"We are absolutely devastated by the losses," said joint owner Sue Walters. "We did what we could to save the animals but the water came too fast. It is really upsetting."

Mrs Walters, and co-owner Louise Bowl, have been mopping up, along with many of the town's other traders, following the devastating floods on Friday evening. A muddy mess has greeted owners returning to their businesses, with windows broken, furniture sodden and equipment completely destroyed.

"The water was about seven feet high in the shop," Mrs Walters said. "The fire service managed to rescue a couple of the hamsters and we found some others floating in a bucket the next day."

Around 15 hamsters, eight rabbits, six guinea pigs, two gerbils, one rat, one mouse, four chinchillas and seven budgerigars, were killed in the flood.

"It is going to be months before we are sorted I think," Mrs Walters added. "Everything is absolutely ruined. We will have to wait to see what the insurance company says."

At Lymer's butcher shop, opposite Happy Pets, Tom Lymer has been assessing the damage after around six feet of water came pouring through his back door.

"I have lost £2,000 - £3,000 worth of stock," he said. "Then there is the damage to fridges, the counters, the floors and walls. The shop has been completely wrecked."

Mr Lymer, who has traded in the High Street for 45 years, said that because of health and safety he would have to pass an environmental inspection before being able to open again. "I will be back open at some point," he said. "It's just a matter of how long it will take."

The High Street has remained cut off to traffic to allow businesses to clear up the damage. Council workers have been on hand regularly to take away sodden carpets and ruined furniture. The fire service has also pumped eight million litres of water out of the town centre.

Mark Jones at Rainbow Racing (Worcs) Ltd said: "Our shop has been completely gutted. We don't yet know what the structural damage will be to the building. But it is going to be a long time before we are up and running again. It is just so unbelievable."

Wedding dresses were also among the damaged goods being assessed by insurers in Droitwich today. Bridal Gowns of Droitwich saw around six feet of water devastate dresses on the lower floor.

Angela Burgess said: "Fortunately we managed to save all the dresses for future weddings. It was all the sample dresses that have been completely ruined."

The Leaning Tower of Pizza take away shop has also been mopping up and with no contents insurance it is going to be costly.

"We have building insurance but not contents," said Ismail Tekagac. "Everything inside is completely ruined and its going to cost us thousands of pounds. It is really difficult to take it all in."