Christmas ruined for flood-hit families

Christmas has been ruined for several families in Stoke Canon near Exeter after their homes were flooded when the Exe broke its banks.

The villagers had to be led to safety after water levels began to rise earlier today.

Christmas presents were floating among the debris in the evacucated properties.

Resident Lucy Kirk told BBC Devon: "Obviously you've lost your home and all your belongings. You're just never going to replace some of the valuables that you've had. A lot of it's upsettting."

Another resident said: "Christmas is just two days away - it's really hard."

Sgt Andy Squires, from Devon and Cornwall Police, told the BBC: "It's tragic, it really is, but you have to take some comfort from the fact there's been no loss of life or serious injury

"You've got people's Christmas presents washing around in the room with Christmas trees, it's just very sad."

The Met Office said tonight that further spells of rain are expected to affect southwest England during Christmas Eve.

A spokesman added: "Given already saturated ground from recent rainfall, the public should be prepared for an increased risk of both surface water and river flooding along with disruption to travel".

Staff at the Prospect Inn in Exeter were putting on a brave face despite the river waters rising perilously close to the property.

They have been posting regular updates and photographs on twitter.

PICTURE: BBC Devon News