THE deluge of water affected industry and agriculture in north Hereford-shire.

Industrial premises at Leominster and Bromyard were flooded and farm crops were battered and swamped.

Strawberry growers S & A lost five hectares of fruit at Sutton St Nicholas when polytunnels flooded.

Sun Valley poultry houses at the Lowe, near Yarpole, had to be pumped dry from floodwater.

Company spokesman John Reed praised staff for ensuring there was minimal disruption over a "difficult" weekend.

"Despite the horrendous conditions, only one of our farms was affected and we have continued to operate as normal," he said.

"It's testament to the hard work of a number of very dedicated staff who worked in difficult conditions to move birds to safe locations."

Businesses at Leominster's Southern Avenue industrial estate were badly affected. Among those hit were mail order firm and major employer M & M, Arrow Plant Hire and the nearby Marches Housing Association offices.

The association was plunged into chaos as its communications system was knocked out while flooded tenants tried to call for help.

Marches set up a temporary HQ across the town at Arkwright Court, but staff later returned to upper floors of their Benedict Court premises.