AN 88-year-old woman had to be plucked from her riverside home by firefighters after rising floodwater trapped her inside.

Lil Andrews, who had to be carried out by firefighters, says flood levels in Diglis Avenue are the worst for 35 years.

Sixteen inches of floodwater poured into her cottage.

"I've never seen it so bad," she said.

"It came up so fast.

"On Saturday, there were two men fishing on the riverbank. Now there is no riverbank."

Fire brigade spokesman Alec Mackie confirmed Worcester firefighters had been called to Diglis Avenue.

Eight families moved out of their riverside homes to emergency accommodation at Himbleton House, St John's.

Last night, only one person had to stay there as friends and relatives offered their homes as shelter.

"We're expecting more flooding to take place," said Worcester City Council's head of housing Peter John.

"We're offering a temporary reception and evacuation centre as well as overnight stays in a communal area.

"We're asking that people don't come straight to us, they should be referred by the emergency services.

"If they're worried about the flooding then they should contact the emergency services, which should be in their area."

One family who have decided to sit out the flooding are the Morgans, who live in Diglis Avenue.

"We're marooned at the moment - there's about three and a half inches in our house but up to four feet outside," said David Morgan.

"We raised our floorboards 18 months ago and that has helped.

"Our elderly neighbours and those with young children have moved out but we're going to try and sit it out.

"We're managing to cope because we've had so much practice!"

His son Steven managed to get to work this morning.

"I'm going to try and get out later," said 58-year-old Mr Morgan.

"We can't get out easily, but we won't let this get us down.

"It'll take us four months at least to sort the house out, but we've still got the rest of winter to come."

Boat rescue for pair

FIREFIGHTERS using a boat had to help two people to safety after floodwater left them stranded in the city.

Members of Worcester's green watch used a high-speed launch to rescue the couple who had become trapped at the Severn View Hotel, on Riverside, North Parade.

Fire brigade spokesman Alec Mackie said crews were called to the incident at 10.30am today.

In another incident, 19 elderly and infirm patients at the Stourport-on-Severn Nursing Home were being moved by the Army.

Residents at Lickhill Manor Nursing Home, Lower Lickhill Road, were moved to safety after floodwater surrounded the home.

The military were called in due to the amount of residents needing to be removed from the home.

FORMER Mayor of Worcester Derek Prodger has hit out at the emergency services - for not giving people lifts.

Coun Prodger said he remembered a shuttle service operating between St John's and the city centre when floods struck in 1947.

"High-axled vehicles went to and fro, helping people on foot," he said.

"Yet there's nothing in place today.

"Why aren't the emergency services doing something?"

The councillor said Worcester City Council was also to blame, as the authority's contract cervices department had large vehicles to hand.

No hope for meeting

A MEETING to discuss a proposed women's centre in Worcester, due to be held tonight, has been cancelled due to the bad weather.

The meeting, organised by the ASHA steering group, will be rescheduled for early December.

The ASHA - which means "hope" in Hindi - steering group was set up two years ago with the aim of re-establishing a centre offering a range of services and facilities for women.

Since then, the group has secured charitable status and is registered as a company limited by guarantee.

Call your insurer - now

FLOOD victims are being urged to contact their insurers straight away if they fall prey to rising river levels.

The advice has been issued from one of the country's leading insurers, Hill House Hammond.

"The golden rule in the aftermath of any disaster is to contact your insurer," said Chris Alton, HHH claims director.

"They will have a wealth of experience and will be able to offer you practical help and advice straight away and relieve some of the stress."