Prudhoe Flood Wardens receive demonstration from the Environment Agency.

The demonstration was an opportunity for the wardens to learn about the range of equipment the Environment Agency has in order to tackle flood water.

Lead flood warden, Cllr Chris Barrett said: "This equipment can be deployed and set up very quickly and it is great to know we can call upon it when required.

"Flood Wardens are members of the local community who are able to report problems as they happen but also take a proactive approach in educating those with at risk homes and businesses on how best to mitigate the effects of flooding.

"We don’t wade into flood water as we have neither the training nor equipment, but it was great to meet with the members of the Environment Agency who do just that."

Throughout Tynedale more flood warden groups have been created in response to the area's risk of flooding.

The Environment Agency’s Community Engagement Officer, Colin Hall said: “The response from the local community has been amazing and no one knows their local areas better than the people who live and work there. We rely upon wardens to be our eyes and ears on the ground and report what is happening to us. We would also encourage people to sign up to the Flood Warning Service.”

Tynedale residents and business owners are being encouraged to contact the Environment Agency on how to join or start a local group. “We can all play an important part” said Flood Warden and County Councillor, Gordon Stewart. “Social media has proven to be an invaluable platform on which to share information and recruit new volunteers. We receive regular updates from the Environment Agency which can then be shared on local community pages allowing people to prepare for inclement weather.”