A PUB at a Herefordshire beauty spot will be closed for the day as floods hit the county.

Ye Olde Ferrie Inn in Symonds Yat, near Ross-on-Wye, said flood defences were being put out at the pub, with today's rising river coming two years since the pub "lost everything" in Storm Dennis.

Lying alongside the river Wye, levels are rising with a peak not expected until late on Monday, and the pub is getting itself prepared.

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The current flood warnings for the river Wye – which cover from Hay-on-Wye through to Ross-on-Wye – suggest the river could peak in the south of the county on Monday evening.

For Symonds Yat, the Environment Agency has only issued a flood alert, the lowest of the three ratings. Flood warnings, telling people to act now, are in force for Hereford in the wake of Storm Franklin's heavy rain.

It said the peak in Ross-on-Wye was set to be up to 4.5 metres, with river levels expected to remain high over the next few days.

"We are closely monitoring the situation," the warning said.

"Please avoid contact with flood water."

But for Ye Olde Ferrie Inn (YOFI), it told customers: "Due to the river rising fast and as we implement our flood defences we are closed today. Apologies for any inconvenience."

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It comes almost two years to the day since the pub was hit by devastating floods in the wake of Storm Dennis.

Ye Olde Ferrie Inn, Symonds Yat, lost everything in February 2020s flooding. Picture: Lucy Rabone

Ye Olde Ferrie Inn, Symonds Yat, lost everything in February 2020's flooding. Picture: Lucy Rabone

Looking back, owner Jamie Hicks said: "Two years ago today, we lost everything. The lovely YOFI was hit by the worst floods in, they say, 200 years.

"The YOFI team picked themselves up, and me, and came back better than ever – with a little help from government grants and a little insurance pay out!

"Lockdown, substantial meal, rule of two, four or six, face masks, deep cleaning, double and triple vaccines, two or three-metre rules – we came through it!

"Thank you so much Team YOFI."

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He added: "Also, the amazing local tradesmen. Their skills, experience, support, and guidance has been nothing short of amazing.

"And lastly, you, the customers, for your amazing support and patience (and your money obviously) thank you."