THE Vale is bracing itself for more rain over the next few days as river levels continue to rise - but the worst storms are over according to weather experts.

The area was hit by fallen trees and localised flooding after the weekend which saw winds gusting up to 80mph and torrential rain sweeping the country.

The Giddings pub in Cowl Street, Evesham, was one victim when the entire outer covering of an old wall, including signs and the faade, collapsed exposing the original beams to the elements. Joint proprietor Alan Harrison-Sharratt said: "We were in bed at about 6am when we heard an almighty bang.

"We thought it was burglars but it was the wall collapsing. It was a bit of a shock."

Last Sunday evening, rail passengers were evacuated from their train after it hit a tree on the line near Evesham.

The Thames Trains Great Malvern to Paddington service had just left Evesham and was picking up speed when it ran into the tree at about 5.30pm.

Thames Trains communications manager Martin Walter said although none of the approximately 60 passengers was hurt, the front of the train was damaged and could not continue.

The passengers were delayed for about two hours while they waited to transfer to another train.

On Monday morning all services along the Cotswold Line, between Paddington and Hereford, were suspended because of flooding and fallen trees.

Emergency services have been on alert and the efforts of two Evesham firefighters were praised after they waded chest high into rising floodwaters to save a sinking boat.

Sub-officer John Lawrie said that without the determination of Paul Tredwell and Don Bailey the boat would have been lost.

"It was quite a drawn out and difficult operation," said Sub officer Lawrie.

The 22-foot powerboat was moored at Abbey Quay, Monks Walk, and, as the Avon's level rose on Monday lunchtime, the boat became entangled with its moorings. Sub officer Lawrie said once the firefighters were alongside the boat they had to duck under the water to release it by hand before untangling and resecuring its moorings.

Overall, however, sub officer Lawrie said the floods had not so far caused as many problems as they might have, in part because people appeared to have been well prepared.

He said firefighters had been touring the area and paying particular attention to caravan parks and livestock in riverside fields.

Yesterday (Wednesday) the Avon between Stratford and Evesham was on a flood warning and levels were not expected to go down for a few days.

Journal weatherman Paul Damari said the worst of the storms and wind were over for now, but more heavy rain is expected today (Thursday) with showers and sunny spells over the weekend.

He said: "Many areas have had two and a half times the average October rainfall and nearly two inches of that fell last Sunday night.

"Even though the worst is over for now, we need to keep an eye out as the Atlantic airflow is quite strong at the moment which could mean more stormy winds and heavy rain and flooding between now and Christmas."