COMMUNITIES across Tynedale were counting the cost this week of flash flooding which hit the district at the weekend.

A vast clean-up operation took place earlier this week after flooding hit roads, homes and businesses throughout the area on Saturday.

The Otterburn Mill suffered £50,000 worth of damage to stock in its shop with other businesses and homes throughout Redesdale and North Tyne affected, after the River Rede burst its banks.

Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service worked over the weekend to pump out water throughout the North Tyne as well as at Hexham, Haydon Bridge and Prudhoe.

The Met Office had issued yellow weather warnings for heavy rain over the weekend, while the Environment Agency released several flood warnings for the district.

Hexham’s MP Guy Opperman said the flood defences coped well after a month’s rainfall fell over a 36-hour period.

l See pages 10-11