PARTS of Bridport and west Dorset were under several feet of water on Saturday as rain deluged the town.

The A35 approach to the East Road roundabout was awash as traffic battled to get through floodwater and the Texaco service station forecourt was submerged as staff rushed to move merchandise inside.

The road through Burton Bradstock and playing fields were under several feet of water on Saturday morning. Motorists were forced to abandon their cars and firefighters were called to the scene. Anxious property owners tried to sweep water away from their front doors as the water level rose when river levels on the Brit and Asker breached the banks. The Bridport Town Council lengthsmen tried to do what they could to keep the main road open, but could do little in the face of so much water.

Sirens screamed all morning as emergency services were inundated with calls for help.