BARGAIN hunters were stopped from shopping on one of the busiest days of the year in one of Worcester's department stores after it was flooded.

The food hall in Marks & Spencer was closed for three hours after a faulty valve caused water to leak on to the floor.

Shoppers were prevented from going into the food hall on New Year's Eve from 9am to noon as staff mopped up the water.

Cosmetic

"Luckily, none of the food was ruined during the flood - it was just cosmetic damage," said commercial manager Mike Morgan.

"The problem was due to a faulty water valve on the ground floor.

"But thanks to all the staff, who helped to mop up the water, we managed to get the food hall open by midday.

"Although it was one of our busiest sale days many customers went shopping in our other departments while the food was out-of-bounds - so it may even have helped us.

"So far, the sales have been going very well. We had an excellent day on Monday as I think many people had extended holidays."