IT will be umbrellas at the ready' as showers are set to continue across the county in the next couple of days.

But Worcester News weatherman said the worst is over - with almost the entire month's predicted rainfall falling in 24 hours at the weekend.

Mr Damari said he recorded 35mm (1.37 inches) of rain in Barbourne on Sunday - when the estimated rainfall for the entire month of May was 46mm (1.81 inches).

"Most places in Worcestershire saw between one inch (25.4mm) and two inches (50.8mm) fall over the weekend, which is a lot considering the average expected for the month,"

he said.

"But it is not unusual for this time of year and it was predicted. Fortunately there were no flash floods to speak of as the ground was like a sponge after the unusually dry April that we had."

Mr Damari said there was still some rain expected in the next couple of days but by the end of the end of the week we should start to see longer, dryer and sunnier intervals with just one or two scattered showers. The downpour on Sunday saw organised events across Worcestershire become a bit of a washout.

At Worcester Racecourse the final two races were abandoned due to unsafe ground after water from drains swept on to the course during the fifth race, after three manhole covers in the centre of Pitchcroft blew off.

And just a handful of brave visitors turn out to the first St Richard's Festival, celebrating Droitwich Spa's patron saint, in the town's Vines Park.

But despite the crowd being smaller than anticipated, fire eaters and knights from Merrie England mediaeval entertainers still put on a show for the gathered few who huddled under umbrellas to watch, and a face painting and archery stand provided some cheer.

Organiser Joe Ling, Droitwich Spa area partnership manager, said: "We carried on regardless but hopefully the weather will be a bit brighter next year."