VISITORS to a fair in Hereford will be able to view plans for the city's flood alleviation scheme for the first time.

The event has been organised following the problems with rising river levels during the past few years.

Hereford Flood Fair will offer help and advice to victims and offer a range of products to help protect homes. "The fair is an exercise in helping people to help themselves, and can be relevant to a far wider area," said Councillor Stuart Thomas, chairman of the Wyre Local Flood Defence Committee.

"Anywhere that a property is at risk, be it from a river, stream or ditch, the answer to that problem could be at the flood fair - which will bring a wealth of expertise under one roof.

"Visitors will be able to view Environment Agency plans for a flood defence scheme."

Gill Holland, operations director of the National Flood Forum, welcomed the fair.

"It's a valuable method of bringing the suppliers of flood protection products and services into contact with those who have suffered flooding," she said.

"It will also help put the Environment Agency in touch with those needing advice and information."

The Flood Fair will be held between 10am-4pm on Sunday, September 15, at Hereford Leisure Centre. Admission is free.