AS if foot-and-mouth was not enough to contend with, Worcestershire farmers were today bracing themselves for renewed flooding.

Flood warnings were in place along the rivers Severn and Avon, with low-lying farmland and properties in Upton-upon-Severn and Kempsey among the expected victims.

Environment experts were predicting a peak of more than 12ft at Diglis, in Worcester, and more than 14ft at Saxon's Lode, near Upton-upon-Severn, earlier today.

The B4211 Malvern Road at Upton-upon-Severn, was expected to flood along with the B4080 at Eckington Bridge, near Pershore.

Evening News weatherman Paul Damari said 57mm of rainfall had fallen already this month - 123 per cent of the average expected at this time of year.

Last year, 35mm fell within the first eight days of April - 75 per cent of the average.

Heavy rainfall in the River Severn's catchment area in North Wales also means the risk of continued flooding this week.

Water table

"All this rain is falling on to heavily-saturated ground and a heavy water table, so there's nowhere for it to go," said Mr Damari.

Although the rest of the week is likely to see more showers, rainfall will be less intense and warmer weather is expected over Easter.

Farmers whose livestock are in a foot-and-mouth restricted area and may be at risk from flooding have been urged to obtain a welfare movement licence.

Call the Ministry of Agriculture for details on 0845 05 04 141.