HUNDREDS of homes were left without water this morning and a family is now homeless after they woke to find their flat flooded by a burst water main.

Nurses Jenny Harris and Andrew Eggleton say they have lost most of their possessions, including toys belonging to the 21-month-old son, when their basement flat on Bridge Street was flooded.

The pair were woken at around 4.15am by their dog. Ms Harris said when she stepped into the water she thought it had been caused by a bathroom tap being left on.

Mr Eggleton, aged 34, said: "We went into the next room with a torch and saw water flying through the walls."

Ms Harris added: "We have saved as much as we can. We have a bag of clothes."

The pair, who both work at Worcestershire Royal Hospital, say they have also lost vital coursework. Ms Harris said her portfolio of work covering the last three years, which she is required to submit as part of her nursing training, is ruined.

Mr Eggleton has lost the work he was doing for his masters in housing studies.

One fire crew from Worcester Fire Station was called to the property at 4.40am to pump out the water. The road outside has been reduced to two lanes causing chaos for the morning rush-hour traffic.

A spokeswoman for Severn Trent said water should be restored to the other properties later today but they would not know what caused the burst until engineers inspect the pipe.

MOTORISTS are being reassured that roadworks in Worcester City centre will be completed before major gas supply works begin.

Resurfacing work was carried out in Bath Road last Sunday and will be finished this coming Sunday.

The works are being done close to the junction with Commandery Road, which is being used as the diversionary route when Sidbury is closed to traffic from next Monday for the gas pipeline work.

Gary Williams, of Worcester City Council's transportation department, said: "Each road has a natural lifespan and in order to keep them safe for the public they need to be renewed.

"The resurfacing will be completed before the Sidbury work starts."

Gas pipe renovations, undertaken by Transco, are due to be completed on Friday, August 5, the day before the Three Choirs Festival begins.