Two north Cumbrian rivers today remained on flood alert as Environment Agency officials warned of rising river levels.

The Agency said that it was particularly concerned about the River Caldew at Cummersdale and the River Roe at Stockdalewath where heavy rainfall created a possibility of flooding in low-lying land and nearby roads.

Flood alerts - the lowest level of warning - have been issued for both rivers.

In a statement on its website, issued yesterday, the Agency said: "Due to the recent rainfall and with more rain expected later [this evening, river levels are now starting to rise.

"The main area of concern is on the River Caldew (Cummersdale) and River Roe (Stockdalewath) where levels suggest that there will be flooding to low lying land and roads close to the river in the early hours of tomorrow morning (Thursday 29th June).

"There is potential that we will see up to 40 to 50mm of rainfall within a 18 hour period.

"We expect the rivers to remain high throughout Thursday though no flooding to properties is forecast and warnings are not expected to be issued.

"Take care near the areas of concern and monitor your local weather conditions. We are constantly monitoring river levels and we will update this message if the situation changes."