Residents were forced to evacuate their homes in a North Yorkshire town after flash flooding.

Just under two inches of rain fell per hour between 6pm and 8pm yesterday (Monday, May 6) in Knaresborough.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service station manager Dave Dixon said the speed and volume of the heavy rain caused flooding in some properties and “overwhelmed local drainage systems for a period of time”.

He added that two vulnerable households were evacuated to temporary accommodation and some residents chose to leave the town themselves.

But Mr Dixon said most residents could stay at their homes because the floodwater had not entered their property, or they could find safe space upstairs.

"Knaresborough Town Council and North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service led the response on the ground ensuring people were safe. The town council has a robust emergency response plan and this was put in place ensuring people were safe and where appropriate electivity supplies were turned off,” he said.

Mr Dixon added that four fire appliances were called to the scene, along with North Yorkshire Police and North Yorkshire Council staff.

"I would like to thank all those involved in last night's response  and to reassure local residents that the agencies involved will also be on the scene this morning to follow up on damage and any assistance anyone may need."

North Yorkshire Weather Updates shared a photograph of High Bridge, near Mother Shipton's Cave, which shows floodwater covering the road as drivers pass through it.

The flash flooding happened during a yellow thunderstorm warning issued by the Met Office which was stood down at 9pm last night.